New York State’s minimum wage is set to increase again in 2026 under a multi-year agreement approved by state leaders, marking the third consecutive year of scheduled hikes.
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the minimum wage will rise to $17 per hour in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island on January 1, 2026. Workers in the rest of the state will see the minimum wage increase to $16 per hour. The change represents a 50-cent increase statewide.
The adjustment is part of a historic agreement reached in 2023 between Hochul and the state Legislature that established annual increases through 2026. Beginning in 2027, New York’s minimum wage will be indexed to inflation, increasing each year based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Northeast region.
“This increase reflects our promise to put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets and uplift our hard workers,” Hochul said in a statement. She added that indexing wages to inflation will help workers keep pace with rising costs.
State Senator Jessica Ramos said the agreement ensures wages continue to rise alongside the cost of living, calling the inflation adjustment a responsible step toward protecting workers’ purchasing power.
State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said the increase is intended to make New York more affordable for working families as everyday costs continue to climb.
The Department of Labor is working to inform employers and employees about the upcoming changes and is offering free educational seminars to help businesses understand labor law requirements. Workers can use the department’s online minimum wage lookup tool to confirm their correct pay rate.
Employees who earn the minimum wage and do not see the increase reflected in their paycheck after January 1, 2026, can file a wage complaint online or by calling 833-910-4378.
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