New York Minimum Wage Rate
There are no uniform wage rates that are applicable across the state. The state’s base minimum wage rate is $16.50 per hour in the New York City (NYC), Westchester County, and Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) counties without tips. It is $15.50 per hour elsewhere in the state. Both these, came into effect from Jan 1, 2025.
These changes reflect an increase of $0.50 from the previously implemented rates in 2024 and is scheduled under the statewide minimum wage schedule, which is in turn administered by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL).
Why It Is Important
The New York minimum wage is a legally mandated floor that employers must pay for covered hourly workers. It varies based on where in the state the work is done.
It matters because,
- It ensures a baseline hourly income, providing stability and a safeguard against underpayment for minimum wage workers.
- For employers, it sets a compliance requirement failing to meet which the mandated wage can expose businesses to legal liability and heavy fines.
- Living standards, worker retention, and overall fairness in the labour market are ensured, for communities and the broader economy. This is especially seen in high-cost areas like NYC or its suburbs, where prices are disproportionately higher due to urban economic factors.
When we factor in the higher cost of living, rent, commuting, and groceries, a clear, enforced minimum wage must provide essential protection for many workers. That is non-negotiable.
Region-Wise Rates
New York splits its wage floor by region, so what you earn depends heavily on where you work.
| Region | Base Minimum Wage (As of Jan 1, 2025) |
|---|---|
| New York City, Westchester, Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) | $16.50 / hr |
| Rest of New York State (outside the above) | $15.50 / hr |
This regional differentiation reflects differences in the cost of living and economic conditions across the state. It’s in recognition of the fact that what constitutes a “living wage” in downtown urban Manhattan might look very different from upstate New York.
Minimum Wage for Tipped & Fast-Food Employees in New York
New York also defines special wage rules for tipped workers, fast-food workers, and other service employees.
Tipped Workers & Service Employees
Employers in the NYC, Westchester, and Long Island areas must pay a cash wage of at least $13.75/hr, and an additional tip credit of up to $2.75, so that the total earnings (cash + tips) meet or exceed the $16.50 minimum wage.
In the rest of the state, cash wages should be at least $12.90/hr, with a tip credit of $2.60.
Tipped Food Service Workers
NYC, Westchester, and Long Island demand cash wages that slightly differ at $11.00/hr, plus a tip credit of $5.50. Outside of those specific regions, the minimum cash wage is at least $10.35/hr and a tip credit of $5.15 over and above that. The aggregate for both arrives at the same total minimum wage in New York already mandated by the DOL.
Fast-Food Workers
They are covered under the base minimum wage, same as the non-tipped workers (displayed above), which is $16.50/hr for NYC, Westchester, Long Island in 2025, and $15.50/hr in the rest of the state.
The general rule is that you must at least reach the base minimum wage in New York for tipped workers for your region and employment type iin total, tips included. It is known that tipped workers typically receive a lower cash wage from employers. That’s a critical detail for anyone working in hospitality, food service, or similar roles and is legally tenable.
Historical Snapshot: How the Minimum Wage Evolved
The New York minimum wage has grown slowly over time. Once you understand the historical perspective of this, it helps to put the present 2025 numbers into context.
From 2016 - 2019, New York had a phased increment schedule for reaching $15/hr. This was especially applicable in NYC and the Downstate areas (large and small employers), depending on size and sector.
As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage became $16.00/hr in NYC, Long Island, Westchester, and $15.00/hr in the rest of the state. The bump in minimum wages this year to $16.50 / $15.50 continues a multi-year commitment. Starting in 2027, future increases will be linked directly to inflation.
The three-year moving average of the regional Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners will be the benchmark when that comes into effect.
That means that in principle, once the scheduled increases (2025 and 2026) are completed, further adjustments will respond to economic realities and cost-of-living and not just political cycles. This will ensure fair economic parity and policies that reflect the reality of inflation and price rise.
| Year | New York Minimum Wage (per hour) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $15.50 | Rate for the Remainder of the State (outside NYC, LI, Westchester). |
| 2024 | $15.00 | Rate for the Remainder of the State. |
| 2023 | $14.20 | Rate for the Remainder of the State (effective Dec 31, 2022). |
| 2022 | $13.20 | Rate for the Remainder of the State (effective Dec 31, 2021). |
| 2021 | $12.50 | Rate for the Remainder of the State (effective Dec 31, 2020). |
| 2020 | $11.80 | Rate for the Remainder of the State (effective Dec 31, 2019). |
| 2019 | $11.10 | Rate for the Remainder of the State (effective Dec 31, 2018). |
| 2018 | $10.40 | Rate for the Remainder of the State (effective Dec 31, 2017). |
| 2017 | $9.70 | Rate for the Remainder of the State (effective Dec 31, 2016). |
| 2016 | $9.00 | (Effective Dec 31, 2015). |
| 2015 | $8.75 | (Effective Dec 31, 2014). |
| 2014 | $8.00 | (Effective Dec 31, 2013). |
| 2013 | $7.25 | |
| 2012 | $7.25 | |
| 2011 | $7.25 | |
| 2010 | $7.25 | |
| 2009 | $7.25 | Federal increase to $7.25 in July 2009. |
| 2008 | $7.15 | |
| 2007 | $7.15 | |
| 2006 | $6.75 | |
| 2005 | $6.00 |
FAQs
1. What is the New York minimum wage?
As of 2025 it is $16.50/hr in the costlier New York City, Westchester, and Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) areas and $15.50/hr everywhere else in the state as mandated by state labour laws.
2. Do tipped workers get paid the same base wage across the state?
They get a base cash wage (For example it is $13.75/hr in NYC) plus a tip credit (the remaining basically, up to $2.75). Their total must meet or exceed the applicable base minimum wage. But the base pay will vary by region, so, no, not exactly.
3. Does fast-food work have a different minimum wage?
Fast-food workers follow the general minimum wage schedule. That’s $16.50/hr in NYC/Downstate, and $15.50/hr outside that region for 2025.
4. What is the frequency with which the Minimum Wage in New York is raised?
Of late, all increases have been part of a multi-year schedule. After the 2025 and 2026 hikes, future adjustments will be tied to inflation (Consumer Price Index). There will be a periodic review by NYSDOL that will ensure fairness in the system.
5. Where can I verify these rates officially?
Check the New York State Department of Labor’s Minimum Wage page. This includes the official schedule and a Minimum Wage Lookup Tool to see rates by region.