NEW YORK (PIX11) — Payday will look a little different for some New York workers in 2026.
The minimum wage is increasing statewide starting on Jan. 1. In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, the minimum wage will increase 50 cents to reach $17. Across the rest of the state, minimum wage will reach $16.
The cash wage to tipped food service workers will increase from $11 to $11.35 in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County. The cash wage to tipped food service workers for the rest of New York will increase from $10.35 to $10.70.
In 2027, the minimum wage will increase annually in line with the Consumer Price Index.
Minimum wage has been increasing since 2016, when it was between $10.50 and $11 in the city, Long Island and Westchester, and $9.70 across the rest of New York.
Researchers and advocates have argued that these increases have not kept up with the cost of living in New York City and beyond. Since 2016, the Consumer Price Index has risen by around 30%.
More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has said the minimum wage should be increased to $30 by 2030.
“In the world’s richest city, making the minimum wage shouldn’t mean living in poverty. But that’s exactly what it means for working people today, even with the hard-won increase in the state minimum wage,” Mamdani said during his election campaign.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.
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