What is New York's minimum wage and does it differ by region?

What the Law Says

New York State law sets different minimum wage rates depending on location and employer size. These rates increase annually on December 31 until reaching statutory targets.

The New York State Department of Labor administers the minimum wage under the New York Labor Law. The law divides the state into three wage regions: (1) New York City, (2) Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, and (3) the remainder of New York State.

In New York City, employers with 11 or more employees must pay at least $16.50 per hour as of December 31, 2023. Employers with 10 or fewer employees must pay $15.00 per hour. In Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, the rate is $16.00 per hour for all employers, regardless of size. In the rest of New York State, the rate is $15.00 per hour for all employers.

The law requires annual increases until regional targets are met — after which future increases will be tied to inflation, subject to a cap.

Statutory Text

On and after December 31, 2023, the minimum wage rate for employers in New York city with eleven or more employees shall be sixteen dollars and fifty cents per hour.

— Labor Law § 652(1)(a) — Minimum wage rates

Statutory Text

On and after December 31, 2023, the minimum wage rate for employers in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties shall be sixteen dollars per hour.

— Labor Law § 652(1)(b) — Minimum wage rates

Statutory Text

On and after December 31, 2023, the minimum wage rate for employers in the remainder of the state shall be fifteen dollars per hour.

— Labor Law § 652(1)(c) — Minimum wage rates

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