Tipped & Minimum Wage in New York City, New York (2026)
New York City, New York sets its own local minimum wage of $17.00/hour in 2026. Tipped workers — see the local rules and how much to tip below.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Local Minimum-Wage Law in New York City
Local Min
$17.00/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$11.35/hr
Max Tip Credit
$5.65/hr
Tip Credit?
Yes
NYC/Long Island/Westchester full minimum $17.00; tipped food service cash $11.35 + $5.65 credit (effective 2026). Rest of state $16.00.
Source: New York State Department of Labor — Minimum Wage
Standard Tip Percentages in New York City
Restaurants
15–20%
Delivery
15–20%
Rideshare
15–20%
Bars
$1–2/drink
Hotel
$2–5/night
Salon/Spa
15–20%
These percentages are general U.S. etiquette norms. In New York City, the tipped cash wage is lower than the full minimum, so tips are a core part of server income — 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal is the expected norm.
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Tip Calculator for New York City, New York
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in New York City, New York in 2026?
As of 2026-08-29, New York City has its own local minimum wage of $17.00/hour. NYC/Long Island/Westchester full minimum $17.00; tipped food service cash $11.35 + $5.65 credit (effective 2026). Rest of state $16.00. Tipped employees are paid a cash wage of $11.35/hour (employer may claim a tip credit of up to $5.65/hour). Source: New York State Department of Labor — Minimum Wage.
Does New York City have its own minimum wage or follow New York state law?
New York City sets its own local minimum wage ($17.00/hour in 2026), which is higher than the New York state rate of $17.00/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in New York City.
What is the tipped minimum wage and tip credit in New York City?
In New York City, the tipped cash wage is $11.35/hour and employers may take a tip credit of up to $5.65/hour, for a combined cash-plus-tip minimum of $17.00/hour (local). If tips don't bring the employee to the minimum, the employer must make up the difference.
How much should I tip in New York City?
Like the rest of the U.S., New York City follows national tipping norms — tip 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal at restaurants, bars, and for delivery and rideshare, not the 8.5% combined sales tax. In New York, tipped workers already earn at least $17.00/hour, yet 15–20% remains the customary gratuity because tips supplement take-home pay.
Other New York Cities
More State Guides
Local minimum-wage figures for New York City are from New York State Department of Labor — Minimum Wage (retrieved 2026-08-29). Minimum wages change frequently; verify with the local agency before making wage or payroll decisions. Tip percentages are general etiquette guidelines, not legal advice. Sales-tax rates are approximate combined state + local averages.