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Help restaurant and franchise owners hire, pay, and retain your hourly team.

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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in New York

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$14.20

What is the minimum wage in New York?

The minimum wage in New York is $15.00 per hour for all employees in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, effective January 1, 2023. This is the result of a law signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2016 that gradually increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2023.

The New York state minimum wage that spans outside of the three areas listed above is $14.20 per hour, effective January 1, 2023. This is the result of a law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in 2022 that gradually increased the New York minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2026.

There are a few exemptions to the New York minimum wage law. Tipped workers are paid a lower minimum wage of $10.00 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and $9.30 per hour in the rest of New York State. However, they must also receive tips that bring their hourly earnings up to the minimum wage. Employees under the age of 18 are also paid a lower minimum wage of $13.00 per hour in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, and $12.30 per hour in the rest of New York State.

The minimum wage is an important issue for many people in New York. It is a matter of fairness, economic security, and quality of life. The debate over the minimum wage is likely to continue in New York.

Here are some additional facts about the minimum wage in New York:

  • The minimum wage was first established in New York in 1961.
  • The minimum wage has been increased 25 times since it was first established.
  • The minimum wage is indexed to inflation, so it automatically increases each year with the cost of living.

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$22.90

What is the average wage in New York?

The average wage in New York state varies depending on the industry and occupation. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, the average hourly wage in New York state was $37.80. 

The average wage for certain industries such as finance, insurance, and professional, scientific, and technical services is higher. Conversely, the average wage for industries such as retail trade, accommodation and food services, and healthcare and social assistance is lower. It's also worth noting that the average wage in New York City is likely to be higher than the average wage in other parts of the state due to the high cost of living and concentration of high-paying jobs in the city.

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$15.00

What is the minimum wage in New York City?

The minimum wage in New York City for employees of companies with 11 or more employees is $15 per hour. For employees of companies with 10 or fewer employees, the minimum wage is $15 per hour.

A guide to hourly labor laws in New York

 

  • Final Paychecks: By the next regular payday after termination or resignation (N.Y. Lab. Law § 191).
  • Wage Payment Frequency: Weekly; as most restaurant workers are considered manual laborers, they are entitled to weekly pay. Otherwise, bimonthly (NY DoL) (N.Y. Lab. Law § 191).
  • Paid Sick Leave:
    • Employers with 5 to 99 employees: 40 hours of paid sick leave annually.
    • Employers with 100+ employees: 56 hours of paid sick leave annually (N.Y. Lab. Law § 196-b).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: New York's Paid Family Leave program provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave to eligible employees. This is in addition to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees provided through FMLA (NY PFML) (N.Y. Workers' Comp. Law § 204) (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16:
    • General: No working during required school hours. Only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. between June 21 and Labor Day.
    • School sessions: Up to three hours per school day, eight hours per non-school day, six days per week, and 18 hours per week.
    • Non-school sessions (school must close for the entire calendar week): Up to eight hours per non-school day, 40 hours per non-school week, and six days per week (NYS DoL) (N.Y. Lab. Law § 131).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: No working during required school hours. Up to eight hours per non-school day, 48 hours per non-school week, six days per week. Restricted from working between midnight and 6 a.m. during non-school sessions. Restricted from working between 10 p.m. and midnight before a school day (NYS DoL) (N.Y. Lab. Law § 144).

 

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:


  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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Learn about wages in your city

New York City Minimum Wage