New York minimum wage 2026
New York Minimum Wage 2026
Hiring your first employee in New York? Below is the current state minimum wage plus the cities that set a higher local rate. The applicable minimum is always the highest of federal, state, and city — so a New York hire in certain cities must be paid more than the state floor.
Cities in New York with a higher local minimum wage
| City | Rate | vs. state |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | $17.00 | — |
| Yonkers | $17.00 | — |
| White Plains | $17.00 | — |
| Nassau County | $17.00 | — |
| Suffolk County | $17.00 | — |
| Buffalo | $16.00 | — |
| Rochester | $16.00 | — |
| Albany | $16.00 | — |
| Syracuse | $16.00 | — |
For employers hiring here
What this means for your payroll
The pay rate is only the start. A compliant employment contract in New York must also state the correct rate, include the required wage-statement details, and align with local sick-leave and mandatory-notice rules. A single miss can cost you per employee, per day.
Get notified when New York's minimum wage changes
We track every rate change across California & New York. Get an email the moment this one updates — so your contracts never fall out of compliance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in New York in 2026?
The minimum wage in New York is $17.00 per hour, effective 01/01/2026.
Is the New York minimum wage higher than the federal minimum wage?
Yes. The federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour. New York is well above that at $17.00; the highest applicable rate always governs.
Hiring in New York? Stay compliant from day one.
HireStates generates compliant employment contracts, handbooks, and onboarding documents with the correct local wage clauses applied automatically — for European companies making their first US hire.
Other locations
Rates are provided for general information and are updated as jurisdictions announce changes. This is not legal advice — verify with a licensed employment attorney before relying on it. Last updated: 07/10/2026.