The minimum wage will increase to $17 per hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester starting January 1, 2026, while the rest of New York will see an increase to $16 per hour.
This was announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, noting that it is the third consecutive year of salary increase. This $0.50 per hour adjustment 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 the pockets of New Yorkers and support hard workers,” Hochul said.
“By continuing these investments and indexing wages to inflation, we ensure that New Yorkers can keep pace with rising costs and bring more money home.”
For her part, New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said: “Increasing the minimum wage is another way Governor Kathy Hochul is making New York a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family.”
“With costs rising, this increase is crucial for workers looking to make ends meet. “I thank Governor Hochul and the Legislature for their continued efforts to support New York’s workforce.”
It should be noted that as part of the historic 2023 New York agreement between Hochul and the state Legislature, the minimum wage was also increased by $0.50 per hour in 2024 and 2025.
Beginning in 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually at a rate determined by the Consumer Price Index for Urban and Administrative Workers (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region, the most accurate regional measure of inflation.
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) is working to educate employers and employees about these changes.
The NYSDOL offers free educational seminars to help employers better understand labor laws and ensure compliance.
Employees can access the NYSDOL Minimum Wage webpage for additional information, including a interactive minimum wage search tool to verify your correct pay rate.
If you earn minimum wage and do not see the increase reflected in your paycheck after January 1, 2026, you can file a online salary complaint or by calling 833-910-4378.
For additional information on wage theft, go to Wage Theft Hub .
