Current Minimum Wage in New York

The minimum wage in New York is $15.50 per hour as of 2026. This is $8.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.

Wage Breakdown

Pay PeriodGross PayHours
Hourly$15.501
Daily (8 hours)$1248
Weekly$62040
Biweekly$1,24080
Monthly$2,687~173
Annual$32,2402,080

Tipped Employee Wage

Tipped workers in New York can be paid a cash wage of $10.35/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $15.50/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.

Scheduled Increases

$15.50 (2025), $16.00 (2026), then CPI adjustments. NYC: $16.50.

Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage

Federal Poverty Line (single)

$15,060/year

Minimum wage is $17,180 above poverty line

Estimated Living Wage (NY)

~$20.94/hr

Based on cost of living index (123.2)

Cost of Living Context

New York's cost of living index is 123.2 (national average = 100). This means living in New York is 23.2% more expensive than the national average. The median hourly wage in New York is $24.82/hr, which is 60% above the minimum wage.

Key Facts

NYC and surrounding counties have higher rates ($16.50). Phasing increases statewide with CPI after 2027.

How This Compares

MetricNYFederalHighest (WA)
Minimum Wage$15.50$7.25$16.66
Tipped Wage$10.35$2.13$16.66
Annual (FT)$32,240$15,080$34,653

Useful Resources

Other States