Minimum Wage Increases for NY Once More

As of December 31, 2018, the hourly minimum wage for New Yorkers has increased yet again. New York City employers with 11 employees or more must pay their hourly workers $15.00 per hour and the appropriate overtime rate at time and a half when working over 40 hours per week. For hard working employees, the wage boost is much needed especially in a city where the cost of living is so high. Governor Andrew Cuomo proudly commented on the historic increase, “New York continues to set a national example in the fight for economic justice.” Bigger paychecks will affect NY employees in the following manner:

• Employees in New York City that work for “large” employers of 11 employees or more must currently be paid at the hourly rate of $15.00. NYC employees working for “small” employers will see a slightly more gradual increase. Their minimum wage rate must currently be paid at $13.50
• Employees in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties must currently be paid $12 per hour
• Employees in all other New York State counties must currently be paid a minimum wage rate of $11.10
• Employees in the fast food industry must also be paid $15.00 per hour in New York City, while employees in the industry in the rest of the state must be paid an hourly rate of $12.75

If you have any questions or concerns about your pay this new year, please give us a call for a free phone consultation. Fitapelli & Schaffer, LLP are experienced wage and hour lawyers that have had significant experience recovering hard earned wages for their clients. You may schedule a consultation at (212) 300-0375 or visit our website for additional information.