Updated: September 11th, 2026
Before processing payroll in Connecticut, employers need to ensure they are caught up on Connecticut Minimum Wage requirements.
Here is everything you need to know about Connecticut's Minimum Wage in 2026:
CT Minimum Wage for 2026
On September 3rd, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont announced a new Connecticut minimum wage rate, which took effect January 1st, 2026.
As of January 1st, 2026, Connecticut’s minimum wage increased to a rate of $16.94 per hour. This minimum wage rate will remain in effect through the remainder of 2026.
With the recently reported employment cost index increase of 3.6% over the twelve-month period ending on June 30th, 2025, the state decided on a $0.59 increase to the state’s minimum wage.
Employers in Connecticut should also be aware of special wage rates for tipped workers. Specifically, the law includes two special minimum wage rates for hotel and restaurant staff and bartenders.
Connecticut also has a special minimum wage rate for minors for the first 90 days of employment.
CT Minimum Wage for 2027
On August 5th, 2026, Governor Ned Lamont announced the latest adjustment to the state's minimum wage, which will be increased to $17.48 per hour starting January 1st, 2027. The $0.54 increase stems from the 3.2% increase in the employment cost index, as calculated by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in June 2026.
Special Connecticut Minimum Wage Rate for Minors
Employers in Connecticut can pay minor employees (under age 18) at a minimum wage rate of 85% of the standard minimum wage rate for the state for the first 90 days of their employment. For 2026, the rate for minors is $14.40 per hour.
Adjusted for 2027's minimum wage increase, employers may pay minor employees in training for their first 90 days at a rate of $14.86 per hour.
Minimum Wage Rates for Tipped Workers in Connecticut
Connecticut employers can pay certain tipped workers at a lower wage rate. The rates vary depending on the profession of the worker, so long as they customarily receive tips.
The following tipped minimum wage rates apply:
- For Hotel and Restaurant Staff: $6.38 per hour
- For Bartenders: $8.23 per hour
Note that the tipped minimum rate has applied for several years despite increases to the state's base minimum wage rate, and that there are no current plans to adjust it. While there have been attempts to pass legislation that would require all employees to be eligible for the state's standard minimum wage rate, there are currently no plans to adjust the tipped minimum wage rules.
Future Increases to Connecticut Minimum Wage
Connecticut workers and employers can anticipate that announcements will be made by at least October 15 of each year to declare the adjusted minimum wage for January 1st of the following year.
It's critical for all Connecticut employers to stay up-to-date with the latest labor law updates that can greatly affect HR and payroll operations. In the realm of payroll alone, even small mistakes can lead to significant and costly issues. Employers can stay up-to-date by partnering with an HR outsourcing company that will help support businesses with necessary compliance requirements. Alternatively, subscribing to an HR compliance newsletter that contains the latest federal and state labor law news can also help keep Connecticut businesses up-to-date with the latest legislation updates.
CT Minimum Wage Increase History
Connecticut's path to raising the minimum wage to $15 began in 2019 when Governor Ned Lamont signed the minimum wage increase in May of that year. The first step involved increasing the state's minimum wage from $10.10 to $11 in October 2019.
Since then, Connecticut has pursued a consistent approach, with the minimum wage rising by $1 every 11 months. This occurred up until January 1st, 2024, when the law changed to adjust minimum wage based on the Employment Cost Index, calculated by the US Department of Labor (DOL).
Most recently, new updates took effect on January 1st, 2026, with another increase scheduled to occur on January 1st, 2027 as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Minimum Wage Compliance in Connecticut
Connecticut's steadfast commitment to increasing the minimum wage signifies its determination to create a fair and equitable economic landscape for workers. The state's calibrated approach, marked by incremental increases, sets a progressive example.
While businesses navigate the challenges posed by continued wage increases, many have taken proactive measures by voluntarily surpassing minimum wage requirements, stating their dedication to employee welfare and remaining competitive.
While businesses face the task of adjusting payroll to meet minimum wage requirements, partnering with a professional payroll service company can mitigate costly mistakes and ensure compliance. Employers must also ensure that they stay up to date with minimum wage requirements, as updates can impact other areas, such as posting salary ranges under Connecticut's Pay Transparency Law or one of the many labor law updates made in the 2026 Connecticut Workforce Development Bill.
