New Yorkers making minimum wage will see more money in their pockets starting in January.
As signed into Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024 budget, the state’s minimum wage will see its second of two 50-cent increases in 2026. In 2024, the rate rose to $16 per hour in New York City, Westchester County and both Long Island counties and increased to $15 per hour across the rest of the state. And in 2025, the rates rose to $16.50 and $15.50, respectively.
Here’s what to know.
How much will minimum wage be in New York in 2026?
In New York City, Westchester and Long Island, minimum wage will rise to $17 per hour in 2026. For all others across New York state, the minimum wage rate will increase to $16 per hour.
What happens to New York’s minimum wage in 2027?
The state’s minimum wage will be linked to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Northeast Region starting in 2027, according to Hochul’s 2024 budget agreement.
Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on X and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Minimum wage in NY is rising again in 2026. See the new rates
Reporting by Emily Barnes, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
