Connecticut Minimum Wage 2026
$16.94
per hour since January 1, 2026
Connecticut's minimum wage is $16.94 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. Connecticut's minimum wage rises to $17.48 an hour on January 1, 2027.
Reviewed by Slava Akulov, CEO & Co-Founder at Jupid · Last updated: October 2026
Up to 40. Hours over 40 in a workweek go in the overtime field.
Paid at 1.5 times the rate ($25.41 an hour).
Weekly
$678
Monthly (average)
$2,936
Annual
$35,235
Gross pay before taxes. For take-home pay after federal, state and payroll taxes, use the Connecticut hourly paycheck calculator.
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Connecticut Minimum Wage at a Glance
2026 minimum wage
$16.94
Since January 1, 2026
Tipped cash wage
$6.38
Tip credit up to $10.56
Next change
$17.48 on Jan 1, 2027
Published rate
Overtime
Weekly
1.5 times the regular rate
One statewide rate, adjusted each January 1 to the employment cost index.
Local Minimum Wages in Connecticut
No Connecticut city or town sets its own minimum wage; the state rate applies statewide.
Tipped Minimum Wage in Connecticut
Employers in Connecticut can pay tipped employees a cash wage of $6.38 an hour and count up to $10.56 an hour of tips toward the $16.94 minimum. If tips fall short, the employer makes up the difference. This is the cash wage for hotel and restaurant service staff. Bartenders who customarily receive tips get an $8.23 cash wage with an $8.71 tip credit. Both cash wages are fixed dollar amounts, so the tip credit grows when the minimum wage rises.
Cash wage
$6.38
Maximum tip credit
$10.56
Cash wage plus tips must reach
$16.94
Other Connecticut Minimum Wage Rates
- Minors under 18, first 90 days of work: $14.40. 85% of the minimum wage, or $10.10 if higher
Overtime Rules in Connecticut
Overtime is due after 40 hours in a workweek, and restaurants and hotel restaurants also owe time and a half for the seventh consecutive day of work. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate, so at the $16.94 minimum an overtime hour pays at least $25.41. To work out overtime on any hourly rate, use the overtime pay calculator.
Connecticut Minimum Wage History
| Effective | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 (current) | $16.94 |
| January 1, 2025 | $16.35 |
| January 1, 2024 | $15.69 |
| June 1, 2023 | $15.00 |
Connecticut Minimum Wage in 2027
Connecticut's minimum wage rises to $17.48 an hour on January 1, 2027. Governor Lamont announced the increase on August 5, 2026: the employment cost index rose 3.2% in the year ending June 30, 2026.
Connecticut Minimum Wage FAQ
More Pay Tools for Connecticut
Connecticut Hourly Paycheck Calculator
Take-home pay for hourly work, with overtime and taxes.
Connecticut Paycheck Calculator
Salary take-home pay after federal and state taxes.
Overtime Pay Calculator
Time-and-a-half and double-time pay for any rate.
Employee Cost Calculator
What an hourly hire costs with payroll taxes added.
Minimum Wage in Other States
State minimum wages range from the federal $7.25 to $18.40 an hour in 2026. Pick a state to see its rate, tipped wage and 2027 change.
Official References
- Connecticut Department of Labor, Wage and Workplace Standards Division; Minimum Wage Administration Regulations poster DOL-75 (Rev. 1/26)
- Governor Lamont press release, Aug 5, 2026 (2027 rate)
- CT DOL Restaurant and Hotel Workers wage order poster DOL-79 (Rev. 1/26)
- CT DOL Minimum Wage Administration Regulations poster DOL-75 (Rev. 1/26)
- Connecticut General Statutes chapter 558 (31-58, 31-58a, 31-60)
- U.S. Department of Labor: State Minimum Wage Laws
- U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees
Rates verified against the sources above on October 30, 2026. The calculator shows gross pay only. Industry rates, exemptions and local ordinances can change during the year; check the agency page before setting pay. This page is general information, not legal advice.
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