2021 New York Minimum Wage
The 2021 New York Minimum Wage is $12.50.
Effective 2020-12-31Source: History of the Minimum Wage in New York State (DOL)Verified 2026-08-30
Compared with 2020
| Item | 2020 | 2021 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $11.80 | $12.50 | +$0.70 (+5.9%) |
Who it applies to
Employers and employees in the remainder of New York State outside New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), and Westchester County.
What changed this year, and why
The general hourly minimum wage for the remainder of New York State (outside New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County) is $12.50 per hour, effective December 31, 2020. This rate applies through most of 2021 and increases later in the year.
Common questions
- Does the $12.50 minimum wage apply everywhere in New York State?
- No. The $12.50 hourly rate applies to the remainder of the state outside New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County. New York City, Long Island, and Westchester had higher minimum wage rates in 2021.
Who to ask about this rate, and where to take a wage complaint
Workers in New York who have questions about the state's minimum wage or who believe their employer is not paying the correct rate should contact the New York State Department of Labor. The department maintains a minimum wage resource page that provides guidance on coverage, calculations, and how to file a wage complaint. The state labor office can investigate claims of unpaid wages, require employers to provide back pay, and enforce compliance with minimum wage and overtime laws. Workers do not need a lawyer to file a complaint, and there is no fee for the department's assistance. Employees in New York should keep records of hours worked and wages received, because this documentation helps the department investigate wage claims more quickly and accurately. The department's resources are available to help workers understand their rights under state wage laws.
If you have any questions about New York State's minimum wage, please see the State Department of Labor's minimum wage resource page.
History of the Minimum Wage in New York State (DOL)
How each figure was verified
Each number below was read from a stored copy of the document named beside it, and checked to occur word for word in the quoted sentence. The digest is of that stored text.
History of the Minimum Wage in New York State (DOL)
- Hourly
Remainder of state (outside of New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties): $9.70 per hour on and after December 31, 2016; $10.40 per hour on and after December 31, 2017; $11.10 per hour on and after December 31, 2018; $11.80 per hour on and after December 31, 2019; $12.50 per hour on and after December 31, 2020; $13.20 per hour on and after December 31, 2021; $14.20 per hour on and after December 31, 2022; $15.00 per hour on and after January 1, 2024; $15.50 per hour on and after January 1, 2025; $16.00 per hour on and after January 1, 2026.
Other years
Every New York Minimum Wage year · Minimum Wage in every state