Workers across New York are seeing a bigger paycheck starting today as the state’s latest minimum wage increase officially kicks in.
As of Jan. 1, the minimum wage has risen to $17 an hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. In the rest of the state, the minimum wage is now $16 an hour.
The increase marks the third straight year of scheduled wage hikes under a long-term agreement approved by state leaders. The latest bump raises pay by 50 cents per hour.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the change aims to help workers keep up with rising costs.
“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,” Hochul said.
State officials said the increases are part of a broader plan that will shift to automatic adjustments tied to inflation beginning in 2027. Those future increases will be based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in the Northeast.
State Sen. Jessica Ramos said indexing the wage to inflation ensures workers do not fall behind as prices rise.
“As costs rise, wages must keep pace,” Ramos said.
The New York State Department of Labor is reminding employers that the new rates are now in effect and offering free educational seminars to help businesses stay in compliance.
Workers who earn the minimum wage and do not see the increase reflected in their paychecks can file a wage complaint online or by calling 833-910-4378, according to the department.
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