New York’s minimum wage rises again in phased-in hikes

ALBANY — Minimum wages across much of New York increased again on Dec. 31, 2019 as the state moves toward a statewide minimum wage of $15.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Dec. 30 reminded New York employers to update their required minimum wage informational posters. 

The New York State Department of Labor has established a hotline (1-888-4-NYSDOL) where minimum-wage workers can call to report any employers who do not comply with the phase-in schedule.

$15 minimum wage phase-in 

The $15 minimum-wage legislation was passed as part of the 2016-17 state budget. The required minimum-wage hikes are being phased in regionally on the following schedule:

For workers in most of upstate New York (outside New York City, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties), the general minimum wage increased to $9.70 at the end of 2016, then another 70 cents each year after, which boosted it to $11.80 on Dec. 31, 2019. It will rise again to $12.50 on Dec. 31, 2020. After that, the minimum wage will continue to increase to $15 on an indexed schedule to be set by the director of the Division of Budget in consultation with the Department of Labor. 

For workers in New York City employed by businesses with 11 employees or more, the minimum wage rose to $11 at the end of 2016, then another $2 each year after that — reaching $15 on Dec. 31, 2018.

For workers in New York City employed by businesses with 10 workers or fewer, the minimum wage rose to $10.50 at the end of 2016, then another $1.50 each year after that. That took it to $13.50 on Dec. 31, 2018 and $15 on Dec. 31, 2019.

For workers in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties, the minimum wage increased to $10 at the end of 2016, then $1 each year after, reaching $12 on Dec. 31, 2018 and $13 on Dec. 31, 2019. Employers in those counties will be compelled to pay a minimum wage of $15 as of Dec. 31, 2021.

On Dec. 31, 2019, the minimum-wage rate for fast-food workers increased to $13.75 from $12.75.