State increases minimum wage for upstate New Yorkers

Workers outside of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County received a $1 per hour increase in their minimum wage from $13.20 to $14.20 on Dec. 31.

The increase was part of the state’s minimum hourly wage phase-in for upstate counties, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Dec. 21. 

It follows a “statutorily required” economic analysis that the New York State Division of the Budget conducted. Additionally, the minimum wage for home-care aides, which took effect on Oct. 1, 2022, also increases by $1 to $16.20 per hour in counties in upstate New York. 

The wage rise impacts an estimated 200,000 New Yorkers in these upstate counties, 44 percent of whom are full-time workers. And of that figure, nearly 25 percent are supporting children below age 18. 

New York State’s minimum-wage increases are calculated based on where individuals work and their industry. Workers in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County currently make a $15 minimum hourly wage. The increases for the remainder of the state are based on percentage increases determined by the director of the Division of the Budget in consultation with the state Labor Department following an annual review of the state economy and the labor market. 

“The Division of the Budget is proud to support this rollout with thoughtful and prudent analysis to guide the best outcomes for New Yorkers,” Robert Mujica, Jr., New York State’s budget director, said. “The division will continue to monitor the state economy and labor market and evaluate the effects of these increases in the months and year ahead.”