The beginning of 2026 is around the corner, and workers in the tri-state area will see an increase in their minimum wage.
Workers will be able to see that raise in their checks starting January 1, 2026. So how much can you expect?
New York
In New York State, the minimum wage will increase to $17 per hour, starting January 1 for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County — an increase of $0.50. The minimum wage will be $16 per hour for the rest of the state.
This adjustment of $0.50 per hour is part of a planned series of increases, which will then be indexed to inflation starting in 2027.
“From the tip of Montauk to Niagara Falls, this increase reflects our promise to put money back in New Yorkers pockets and uplift our hard workers,” Governor Hochul said. “By continuing these investments and indexing wages to inflation, we’re making sure New Yorkers can keep up with rising costs by taking home more money.”
Employees can go to Minimum Wage Lookup Tool to verify their correct pay rate.
How to file a complaint if I don’t get the increase
Workers who don’t see the increase reflected in their paychecks can file a wage complaint on the New York State Department of Labor website or by calling 833-910-4378. For more information about wage theft, visit the Wage Theft Hub.
Where can I find more information?
New Jersey
New Jersey’s statewide minimum wage will increase by $0.43 to $15.92 per hour for most employees, effective January 1, 2026.
Under the law, the minimum wage rate for employees of seasonal and small employers will continue to increase gradually until 2028 to lessen the impact on those businesses. The minimum hourly wage for these employees will increase to $15.23 on Jan. 1, up from $14.53.
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) sets the minimum wage for the coming year based on any increase in Consumer Price Index (CPI) data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“This increase will provide vital support to all Garden State workers by making the dream of a livable wage reality,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.
Agricultural workers are guided by a separate minimum wage timetable under the law and their minimum wage rate will continue to increase incrementally until 2030. Employees who work on a farm for an hourly or piece-rate wage will see their minimum hourly wage increase to $14.20, up from $13.40. Additionally, long-term care facility direct care staff will see their minimum hourly wage rise by $0.43, to $18.92.
The minimum cash wage rate for tipped workers will rise to $6.05 an hour from $5.62, with the maximum tip credit employers are able to claim remaining at $9.87. If the minimum cash wage plus an employee’s tips do not equal at least the state minimum wage, then the employer must pay the employee the difference.
For more on the rights and protections of tipped workers, click here.
How to file a complaint if I don’t get the increase
Workers who don’t see the increase reflected in their paychecks can file a complaint here.
Where can I find more information
Connecticut
Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from the current rate of $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour.
Under that law, the minimum wage is required to be adjusted each year based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12-month period ending on June 30 of the preceding year.
The commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor is required to review this percentage change and announce any necessary adjustments by Oct. 15 annually. Those adjustments must take effect on January 1 of the following year.
Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo reports that the employment cost index increased by 3.6% over the 12-month period ending on June 30, 2025, accounting for a $0.59 increase to the state’s minimum wage that will become effective on January 1, 2026.
“Nobody who works full-time should have to live in poverty,” Governor Lamont said. “This is a fair, modest increase, and the money earned will go right back into our own economy, supporting local businesses in our communities.”
How to file a complaint if I don’t get the increase
To file a complaint, visit this website.