Burlington Free Press

MONTPELIER — Vermonters earning minimum wage are getting a raise with the New Year.

Starting Sunday, the minimum wage increased to $10 per hour, up from $9.60. The minimum wage for tipped employees also increased, to $5 an hour.

In 2018, Vermont's minimum wage will increase to $10.50. In 2019 and beyond the minimum wage will be tied to the rate of inflation.

Vermont Labor Commissioner Annie Noonan says it's estimated the new minimum wage will benefit 30,000 of the state's workers.

Noonan says the federal minimum wage of $7.25 has not been increased in eight years, making the state's rate even more important for working families.