The minimum wage in New York State varies depending on location and industry. As of 2025, the minimum wage is:
- $16.50 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County.
- $15.50 per hour in the rest of New York State.
The minimum wage is scheduled to increase by $0.50 on January 1, 2026, and will continue to increase annually by the three-year moving average of the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region.
Early History:
- New York State’s first general minimum wage law was established in 1960, setting the rate at $1.00 per hour.
- Prior to this, minimum wage rates varied significantly across industries.
Key Milestones:
- 1960s & 1970s: The minimum wage saw gradual increases throughout this period, reflecting the growing awareness of the need for a living wage.
- 1980s & 1990s: The real value of the minimum wage declined significantly during this time due to inflation and a lack of substantial increases.
- 2000s & 2010s: A renewed focus on raising the minimum wage led to more substantial increases, particularly in recent years.
Recent Developments:
- Significant Increases: New York has seen significant increases in its minimum wage in recent years, with different rates for different regions of the state.
- Focus on $15 Minimum Wage: A major push has been made to achieve a $15 minimum wage across the state, with varying levels of implementation in different regions.
- Regional Variations: The minimum wage varies across different regions of New York State, with New York City currently having the highest minimum wage.
