New York State’s minimum wage rose by 50 cents in 2026. In 2024, the minimum wage rate was $16 per hour in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island. In 2025, it increased to $16.50.
Just as the rate increased by $0.50 last year, it spiked by the same amount this year. In 2026, minimum wage rose to $17 per hour in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island. On the other hand, the minimum wage in the rest of the state—Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Elmira rose to $16.00 per hour.
There have also been changes to New York State’s exempt salary thresholds that took effect on January 1. New York employers must review their payment practices to ensure compliance with the increasing rates and thresholds in 2026…