Bills keep rising, even when pay doesn’t. On January 1, 2026, New York’s minimum wage is scheduled to rise $0.50 per hour. Most of the state, including the Rochester area, will move to $16 per hour. New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County will move to $17 per hour. The schedule was set in the state budget for the 2024 fiscal year. Here’s what to check.
What will New York’s minimum wage be on January 1, 2026?
New York uses regional minimum wages, so the rate depends on where you work. The NYSDOL and the governor’s office list the 2026 schedule.
| Location | Minimum wage on Jan. 1, 2026 |
| New York City | $17.00/hour |
| Long Island and Westchester County | $17.00/hour |
| Remainder of New York State (including Rochester) | $16.00/hour |
The FY 2024 budget plan set step-ups for 2024 through 2026, so it’s a calendar change, not a negotiation. At $16 an hour, a 40-hour week is $640 before taxes, about $33,000 a year if your hours stay steady. A $0.50 raise is about $20 more per 40-hour week before taxes. Part-time? Multiply $0.50 by your weekly hours. Easy.
How will New York minimum wage increases work starting in 2027?
Starting in 2027, the state plans annual adjustments based on the three-year moving average of CPI-W for the Northeast Region, a regional inflation yardstick. The law includes an “off-ramp” provision, allowing the state to pause the automatic increase if certain economic or budget conditions are met.
What should you do if your paycheck does not show the new rate?
Starting with the first pay period that includes January 1, 2026, check the hourly rate on your pay stub. The governor’s office says workers who do not see the increase should file a wage complaint with the NYSDOL. Quick steps you can take:
- Confirm the rate for your location using the table above.
- Save your first pay stub from after Jan. 1, 2026.
- If your pay is short, first contact your payroll or HR department. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, file a NYSDOL complaint online or call 833-910-4378.
The NYSDOL website posts the official wage schedule and complaint options. Keeping detailed records of your pay stubs is crucial for this process.
