Since January 1, 2025, the state minimum wage has been updated with increases based on geographical area.
The minimum wage for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester is $16.50 per hour. The rate across the rest of the state is $15.50 per hour.
Why are there regional differences?
The state of New York has implemented a system of regionalized minimum wages to account for the cost of living and economic conditions in each area. Metropolitan areas, such as New York City, have a higher cost of living, justifying the higher rate.
What about tipped workers?
Service and food workers who receive tips are subject to special rules. For example, tipped service workers in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester must be paid at least $13.75 per hour, plus a $2.75 tip credit. In the rest of the state, the base wage is $12.90, plus a $2.60 tip credit.
Which sectors are most affected?
Fast food, hospitality, beauty salons, and personal services are among the sectors most affected by the adjustment. These jobs typically have a high proportion of workers earning minimum wage or tips.
Will there be further increases?
The New York Department of Labor has announced that the minimum wage will rise again on January 1, 2026, by 50 cents per hour across all regions. The full details will be published before December 31, 2025.
Where to find official information
To find out the most recent minimum wage rates and specific rules for each type of worker, go to the New York Department of Labor’s official website and read through the frequently asked questions section.
