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What is the minimum wage in New York?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

New York minimum wage is governed by N.Y. Labor Law §§ 650-665 and the wage orders of the NY Department of Labor.

1. Statewide Tiered Rates (2025)

| Region | 2025 | 2026 |

|---|---|---|

| NYC, Long Island, Westchester | $16.50 | $17.00 |

| Rest of State | $15.50 | $16.00 |

(Effective each Jan. 1.) Beginning 2027, rates are indexed to CPI-W for the Northeast region.

2. Tipped Workers — Food Service

Food service workers who customarily receive tips may be paid a reduced cash wage with a tip credit (12 NYCRR § 146):

  • NYC/LI/Westchester (2025): $11.00 cash + $5.50 tip credit = $16.50.
  • Rest of State (2025): $10.35 cash + $5.15 tip credit = $15.50.

    • If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.

    3. Tipped Workers — Service (Non-Food)

    Service employees (e.g., hotel housekeeping, car wash) have a smaller tip credit and slightly higher cash wage requirement under 12 NYCRR § 146.

    4. Fast Food Wage

    The previously separate fast food wage was harmonized into the regional minimum in 2021 (it had reached $15 statewide in 2019, ahead of the general minimum). Fast food employees in NYC/LI/Westchester earn $16.50; rest of state $15.50.

    5. Home Care Aides

    Home care aides have a special minimum under N.Y. Lab. Law § 652-a:

  • NYC/LI/Westchester: $19.10
  • Rest of State: $18.10

    • (2025 rates; phased in under L. 2022, ch. 56.)

    6. Overtime

    New York follows the federal 40-hour standard: 1.5x after 40 hours/week (12 NYCRR § 142-2.2). Residential employees ("live-in") get OT after 44 hours. Domestic workers get OT after 40 (or 44 if live-in) under the Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights.

    7. Exemptions / Salary Threshold

    NY's executive/administrative exemption salary thresholds are HIGHER than federal:

  • NYC/LI/Westchester: $1,237.50/week ($64,350/year) effective Jan. 1, 2025.
  • Rest of State: $1,161.65/week ($60,405/year).

    • Professional exemption uses federal $684/week.

    8. Enforcement

    NY Department of Labor, Division of Labor Standards. Workers can file claims for unpaid wages going back 6 years (N.Y. Lab. Law § 663). Liquidated damages of 100% of unpaid wages plus attorney's fees are available.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You are owed unpaid wages within the 6-year NY statute of limitations
    • Your employer pays you under NY's higher exempt-salary threshold but treats you as exempt
    • You are a home care aide owed the special § 652-a wage
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • N.Y. Lab. Law § 652
    • N.Y. Lab. Law § 652-a
    • N.Y. Lab. Law § 663
    • 12 NYCRR § 142
    • 12 NYCRR § 146

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.