New Year, New York’s Minimum Wage Rises Again

By Y.M. Lowy

Starting January 1, 2026, New Yorkers will see a little extra in their paychecks. Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the state’s minimum wage will go up to $17.00 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Long Island, and $16.00 per hour in the rest of the state. This marks the third year in a row workers are getting a raise, with a $0.50 increase this time around.

“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. Starting in 2027, wages will rise automatically with inflation, making sure workers can keep up with the cost of living.

The New York State Department of Labor is helping employers and employees stay on top of the changes with free seminars and an interactive Minimum Wage Lookup Tool online. 

Anyone earning minimum wage who doesn’t see the increase reflected in their paycheck after January 1 can file a complaint online or by calling 833-910-4378.