Minimum Wage in New York City, NY (2026)
New York City sets its own local minimum wage of $16.50/hour in 2026, which is higher than the New York state rate of $16.50/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in New York City.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · 2026-10-15 · reviewed against primary tipping and tax sources
Applicable minimum wage in New York City (2026)
$16.50/hr
Local rate — higher than the New York state rate of $16.50/hr.
Federal, State & Local Layers
Federal Min
$7.25/hr
NY State Min
$16.50/hr
Local (City) Min
$16.50/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$11.00/hr
State Effective
January 1, 2026 (New York Labor Law § 652)
Tip Credit?
Yes
Under the enacted New York state schedule, New York City, Long Island, and Westchester share the $16.50/hour minimum wage in 2026. Tipped food service workers receive a minimum cash wage of $11.00/hour with a $5.50 maximum tip credit.
How the Layers Interact
Three levels of government can set a minimum wage: the federal floor (Fair Labor Standards Act, $7.25/hour in 2026), the state rate, and any local (city or county) ordinance. By law, an employer must pay the highest rate that applies to the worker. When a state or city sets a rate above the federal floor, the higher rate governs; the federal rate is the backstop.
New York City has its own local ordinance of $16.50/hour, which exceeds the New York state rate of $16.50/hour — so the local rate governs. Tipped employees may be paid a lower direct cash wage only where state law allows a tip credit; California and other no-tip-credit states require tipped workers to receive the full minimum wage before tips.
Related TipFig Tools
Turn the minimum wage into take-home pay and compare hourly vs. salary with our calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in New York City, New York in 2026?
As of 2026-10-15, New York City sets its own local minimum wage of $16.50/hour in 2026, above the New York state rate of $16.50/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in New York City. Source: New York State Department of Labor — Minimum Wage Information.
Does New York City have its own minimum wage or follow New York state law?
New York City sets its own local minimum wage ($16.50/hour in 2026), which is higher than the New York state rate of $16.50/hour.
What is the tipped minimum wage in New York City?
In New York, tipped employees may be paid a cash wage of $11.00/hour, with a tip credit making up the difference to the full $16.50/hour minimum. If tips don't bring total pay to the minimum, the employer must make up the shortfall.
Where can I verify the New York City minimum wage?
The authoritative figures are published by New York State Department of Labor — Minimum Wage Information (https://dol.ny.gov/) and the U.S. Department of Labor Consolidated Minimum Wage Table. Minimum wages change frequently; always confirm the current rate with the official agency before making wage or payroll decisions.
Other Minimum-Wage City Pages
Minimum-wage figures are compiled from public government sources for informational use and may change; verify with the official agency before making wage or payroll decisions. State minimum-wage source: New York State Department of Labor — Minimum Wage Information (retrieved 2026-10-15). Federal minimum wage: U.S. Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Division: Consolidated Minimum Wage Table (retrieved 2026-10-15). This page is not legal advice. See TipFig's Disclaimer.