Minimum Wage in Rhode Island (RI)
The minimum wage in Rhode Island is $15.00 per hour , effective January 1, 2025. This is $7.75 (106.9%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $3.89 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $3.89/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Rhode Island reached $15.00/hr in 2025.
Minimum Wage by City in Rhode Island
The table below shows the minimum wage for 3 cities in Rhode Island. No cities currently have local minimum wages above the state rate of $15.00/hr.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
| Newport | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
| Warwick | $15.00/hr | $31,200 | Same | +$7.75 |
How Rhode Island Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Rhode Island with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Rhode Island stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (RI) | $15.00/hr | $3.89/hr | $31,200 |
| Delaware (DE) | $15.00/hr | $2.23/hr | $31,200 |
| Illinois (IL) | $15.00/hr | $9.00/hr | $31,200 |
| Maryland (MD) | $15.00/hr | $3.63/hr | $31,200 |
| Massachusetts (MA) | $15.00/hr | $6.75/hr | $31,200 |
| Colorado (CO) | $14.81/hr | $11.79/hr | $30,805 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Rhode Island in 2026?
The minimum wage in Rhode Island is $15.00 per hour as of January 1, 2025. This is $7.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $31,200 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Rhode Island?
The tipped minimum wage in Rhode Island is $3.89 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $11.11/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $3.89/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $15.00/hr.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Rhode Island?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Rhode Island (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $31,200 per year before taxes. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Rhode Island, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.