Connecticut Minimum Wage 2026: $16.94/hr

Connecticut workers must be paid at least $16.94 an hour, $9.69 above the federal $7.25 minimum.

Data updated September 26, 2026

Key facts for Connecticut

Minimum wage: $16.94/hr
In effect since: January 1, 2026
Scheduled change: Next change: $17.48/hr effective January 1, 2027
Tipped cash wage: $6.38/hr
Compared with federal: +$9.69 vs the federal $7.25
Overtime: 1.5x after 40 hrs/week

Source

Rule: Connecticut minimum wage law
Published by: portal.ct.gov
Last updated: September 26, 2026

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The short answer

Connecticut's minimum wage is $16.94/hr in 2026, $9.69 above the federal $7.25 minimum , ranked #3 of 51 US jurisdictions. The tipped cash wage is $6.38/hr. It is scheduled to rise to $17.48/hr on January 1, 2027.

How the Connecticut minimum wage works

In Connecticut, the minimum wage is $16.94 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Connecticut sets its own minimum wage, and a tip credit is allowed: the tipped cash wage is $6.38 per hour, with tips expected to bring total pay to at least the full minimum wage. Overtime is paid at 1.5× the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek. This reflects a state overtime law.

Connecticut adjusts annually based on the Employment Cost Index. The rate rises to $17.48/hr on January 1, 2027. Tipped cash wages: hotel and restaurant service employees $6.38/hr, bartenders $8.23/hr.

How Connecticut compares

State rate: $16.94/hr
Federal minimum: $7.25/hr
Difference: +$9.69 (+133.7%)
National rank: #3 of 51

Ranked by 2026 effective minimum wage across all 51 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Federal comparison source: U.S. Department of Labor.

Connecticut overtime rules

Weekly overtime threshold: 40 hours (1.5x)
Governing law: State overtime law

Connecticut requires overtime at 1.5x the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. In restaurants and hotel restaurants, work on the 7th consecutive day must be paid at 1.5x the minimum rate.

Sources for this page

Connecticut minimum wage — state labor department portal.ct.gov
Connecticut overtime rules — state labor department portal.ct.gov
U.S. Department of Labor dol.gov

Minimum Wage · 5 min read Minimum Wage 2026: Federal Rate, All 50 States, and Your RightsThe federal minimum wage remains $7.25, unchanged since 2009. Check your state's 2026 minimum wage rate and find out what to do if you're being underpaid.