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Minimum Wage

See information about New York State's Paid Family Leave Program (a program administered by the NYS Workers' Compensation Board).

The New York State minimum wage increased on December 31, 2019. In New York City, it is now $15.00 per hour for all size businesses. In Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties, it is $13.00 per hour. In the remainder of the state, it is $11.80 per hour. There are different hourly rates for workers in the fast food industry and those who receive tips. These rates remain in effect until December 30, 2020. If you have questions, please review the information listed below. If you need additional assistance or want to file a complaint, please call: 1-888-4-NYSDOL (1-888-469-7365).

Upcoming Minimum Wage Increases

The Minimum Wage rates are scheduled to increase each year on 12/31 until they reach $15.00 per hour. Employers must post a Minimum Wage Information poster in their establishment.

General Minimum Wage Rate Schedule Location 12/31/16 12/31/17 12/31/18 12/31/19 12/31/20 2021* NYC - Large Employers (of 11 or more) $11.00 $13.00 $15.00 NYC - Small Employers (10 or less) $10.50 $12.00 $13.50 $15.00 Long Island & Westchester $10.00 $11.00 $12.00 $13.00 $14.00 $15.00 Remainder of New York State $9.70 $10.40 $11.10 $11.80 $12.50 *

* Annual increases for the rest of the state will continue until the rate reaches $15 minimum wage (and $10 tipped wage). Starting 2021, the annual increases will be published by the Commissioner of Labor on or before October 1. They will be based on percentage increases determined by the Director of the Division of Budget, based on economic indices, including the Consumer Price Index.

Minimum Wage Lookup Use this tool to help you determine the minimum cash wage to be paid to you by your employer.

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New York State Minimum Wage Laws

Minimum Wage Act

The Minimum Wage Act (Article 19 of the New York State Labor Law) requires that all employees in New York State receive at least the applicable hourly Minimum Wage rate. This includes domestic workers and employees in the Nail Salon Industry.

Regulations known as 'Wage Orders' set certain requirements that are industry-specific. The rates contained in these Wage Orders may differ from the general Minimum Wage rate. For details, please see the wage order summaries below.

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Minimum Wage Standards for Farm Workers

The Minimum Wage Order for Farm Workers applies only to farm workers employed on farms where the total cash remuneration paid all persons employed on the farm exceeded $3,000 in the previous calendar year.

The Minimum Wage Order for Farm Workers provides that all workers, with certain exceptions, receive the Minimum Wage as indicated in the chart above. This does not include members of the employer's immediate family.

As of January 1, 2020, farm workers:

Are to be allowed at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in each calendar week.

Are entitled to overtime pay at 1 1/2 times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked over 60 in a calendar week. This overtime pay also pertains to any hours worked on their designated day of rest.

The wage order permits employers to deduct specified allowances from the minimum wage for:

Meals

Lodging (except for seasonal migrant workers)

Payments in kind must cost no more than the farm market value.

Employers must post these items in a conspicuous place in their establishment:

A summary of the wage order

A copy of the general work agreement

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Enforcement of Minimum Wage Laws

We help collect underpayments for workers who have not received the minimum wage. Often, we collect the funds without resorting to court action.

However, an employer that violates the Minimum Wage Law is subject to criminal prosecution and penalties. Action may also be taken in civil court.

The Commissioner of Labor may require an employer to pay:

Minimum wage underpayments and liquidated damages PLUS

Interest and civil penalties up to 200 percent of the unpaid wages

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Minimum Wage for Employees Covered by Federal Law

Employees covered by the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act remain covered by the New York State minimum wage orders, including their supplemental wage provisions. Employers must comply with the State and with the Federal law, which may result in a higher minimum wage. In all cases, the higher wages apply.

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Educational Seminars

The Division of Labor Standards offers free educational seminars to employers doing business in New York State.

What's in it for me?

Each year Labor Standards responds to thousands of employee complaints of unpaid wages and benefits, illegal employment of children, meal period violations and more.

The New York State labor law can be very complicated and it is easy for employers to make a mistake. Many honorable employers are found to owe back wages and penalties that turn out to be quite costly.

A Division of Labor Standards Educational Seminar may help an employer avoid the cost and inconvenience of a Labor Standards Investigation. The seminar is designed to teach employers how to avoid being in violation of labor laws.

While the labor law covers all areas/types of employment, we can tailor an Educational Seminar to the industry of those attending.

We can design a seminar for a specific company, allowing the company to include the seminar in scheduled corporate training sessions for managers or company meetings at a specific location.

The Division of Labor Standards will provide Educational Seminar information in brochures, booklets and Powerpoint presentations at no cost to an employer.

For more information on Educational Seminars, please call: (518) 457-9000

Postings/Fact Sheets

Other Posting Requirements

Miscellaneous Industries Minimum Wage Poster

Hospitality Industry Minimum Wage Poster

Building Service Industry Minimum Wage Poster

Farm Minimum Wage Poster

Apparel Industry Minimum Wage Poster

Minimum Wage Posters in Other Languages

Fact Sheet - General Minimum Wage (P700)

English | Chinese | Haitian-Creole | Italian | Korean | Polish | Russian | Spanish

Fact Sheet - Minimum Wage for Fast Food Workers (P716)

English | Chinese | Haitian-Creole | Italian | Korean | Polish | Russian | Spanish

Fact Sheet - Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers (P717)

English | Chinese | Haitian-Creole | Italian | Korean | Polish | Russian | Spanish

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Other FAQs:

Non-Profitmaking Institutions, Public Agencies, and Children’s Camps FAQs

Fast Food Workers FAQs

All Other Industries FAQs

Wage and Hour FAQs

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Useful Links

Child Performer Regulations

Guidance for the New York State Hospitality Industry on Uniforms

Fast Food Wage Board