US Minimum Wage New York 2026
Last updated: · Source: New York Department of Labor
New York · Minimum Wage 2026
Effective 2026-01-01
Data last verified: 2026-07-09
Tipped Rate
$10.65/hr
Tip Credit
$5.35/hr
Exempt Salary
$1200.00/wk
Effective Date
2026-01-01
New York Wage Calculator
US Minimum Wage New York
The minimum wage in New York is $16.00 per hour in 2026, effective 2026-01-01. This is above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employers must pay the higher of the two rates, so the New York rate applies. Also searched as US minimum wage New York. See the federal minimum wage page for how the FLSA floor applies nationwide.
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers must pay the highest minimum wage that legally applies to a work location, whether set federally, by the state, or by a city or county ordinance.
New York Tipped Minimum Wage
In New York, tipped employees may be paid a direct cash wage of $10.65/hr. Employers may claim a tip credit of up to $5.35/hr, but the employee's total hourly earnings (direct wages + tips) must equal at least the full minimum wage of $16.00/hr. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
| Component | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Direct cash wage | $10.65/hr | Minimum employer must pay directly |
| Tip credit | $5.35/hr | Maximum credit employer may claim |
| Total required | $16.00/hr | Wages + tips must reach this floor |
Full New York tipped wage guide: tip credit rules for servers and bartenders →
New York Exempt Employee Salary Threshold (2026)
An "exempt" employee is a salaried worker who, by law, isn't entitled to overtime pay (time-and-a-half) for hours worked beyond 40 in a week. Whether a salaried employee actually qualifies as exempt depends on both their pay and their job duties. New York sets its own exempt salary threshold, which is higher than the federal level. Salaried exempt employees must earn at least $1200.00/week ($62,400/year) in 2026 to be exempt from overtime requirements.
City & County Minimum Wages in New York
New York permits cities and counties to set higher local minimum wage rates. The following cities have rates above the state minimum:
| City / County | 2026 Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | $17.00/hr | NYC, Long Island and Westchester County share the $17.00/hr rate. |
| Long Island | $17.00/hr | Nassau and Suffolk Counties. |
| Westchester County | $17.00/hr | Same rate as NYC and Long Island. |
| Buffalo | $16.00/hr (state rate) | Follows New York State rate of $16.00/hr. |
| Rochester | $16.00/hr (state rate) | Follows New York State rate of $16.00/hr. |
| Albany | $16.00/hr (state rate) | Follows New York State rate of $16.00/hr. |
New York Minimum Wage History
The following table shows minimum wage rates in New York over the past several years.
| Year | Minimum Wage | Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $16.00/hr | 2026-01-01 | |
| 2025 | $15.00/hr | 2025-01-01 | |
| 2024 | $16.00/hr | 2024-01-01 | NYC/LI/Westchester rate |
| 2023 | $14.20/hr | 2023-01-01 | |
| 2022 | $13.20/hr | 2022-01-01 | |
| 2021 | $12.50/hr | 2021-01-01 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum wage in New York is $16.00 per hour in 2026, effective 2026-01-01. Tipped employees may be paid $10.65 per hour provided tips bring total earnings to at least $16.00/hr.
New York raised the statewide minimum wage to $16.00/hr on January 1, 2026. NYC, Long Island and Westchester pay $17.00/hr.
In New York, tipped employees must be paid at least $10.65 per hour directly. Employers may claim a tip credit of up to $5.35/hr, but total compensation including tips must reach $16.00/hr.
In New York, salaried exempt employees must earn at least $1200.00/week ($62,400/year) to qualify for the overtime exemption, higher than the federal threshold.
Yes, some cities in New York set higher local minimum wage rates. New York City: $17.00/hr, Long Island: $17.00/hr, Westchester County: $17.00/hr.
The US minimum wage in New York is $16.00 per hour statewide in 2026.