Will Connecticut’s minimum wage increase in 2026? What to know

You’re managing your the bills as you work long shifts and wondering if your pay will be stretched further in the coming year. If you live in Connecticut the good news is waiting for you that the minimum wage in your state will rise 1 January 2026. As of now, you earn minimum $16.35 an hour when you’re employed in a covered position and that increases to $16.94 an additional 59 cents an hour, which is roughly $1,200 more annually when you’re working full-time. The governor Ned Lamont announced this boost in September 2025, in accordance with the law of 2019 that ties pay to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Cost Index, which was up 3.6 percent in the period ending June 30th 2025.

This helps keep your pay in line with the rising cost of groceries rent, gas and other items that can be very costly for your wallet. Around 60% of those earning minimum wage are women or people who are of color, which allows families to stay on the right track without being pushed into poverty. It’s your time to plan. Write down your calendars, speak to the boss and consider the impact it has on your earnings after tax. If you’re a server retailer, or even a teen studying, these adjustments affect your work routine.

Will Connecticut’s minimum wage increase in 2026

You may be wondering what Connecticut decides on this number every year. In the year 2019, legislators approved Public Act 19-4, eliminating fixed hikes in favor of an equation that is that was linked to the nation’s Employment Cost Index (ECI). It tracks pay, benefits and cost shifts across the country. In 2026 it was reported that the ECI increased by 3.6 percent between July 2024 and June 2025. This triggers the 59-cent increase, which was rounded down to the closest penny. the Labor commissioner Dante Bartolomeo crunched the numbers and Governor Lamont announced the change in the beginning of September 2025, which is exactly on time when announcements usually fall around mid-October. This arrangement means you’ll get auto-adjusting as the economy changes, as opposed to states that have been stuck at the federal $7.25 since 2009. Connecticut’s rate is ranked fifth across the country, which is just behind places such as Washington and California counties.

Connecticut’s Minimum Wage Change Overview 

Aspect	2026 Change
Standard Wage	$16.94/hour (+$0.59)
Tipped Workers	Similar base; tips up to $16.94
Training Wage (16-17 year olds)	Most likely to adjust; Check DOL
Full-Time Yearly Boost	~$35,200
Official Website	https://portal.ct.gov/

Who Gets the New Rate

The majority of those who work hours are eligible however, be aware of exemptions. Full minimum wage applies to standard employees over 18 including factory workers, retail clerks as well as office workers. The people you tip at your wait tables will be paid the lowest minimum pay–$6.38 for restaurant workers, $8.23 for bartenders–but your boss is required to make sure that tips propel you up to $16.94 per week, or pay the difference every week. Teenagers between 16 and 17 earn the $10.10 training salary for 90 days. The amount could be adjusted upwards. Don’t bother when the job you’re in is outside salesperson or farmhand, or some camp counselors. Employers with less than two employees? You’re often exempt too. Overtime is 1.5 times the rate you earn after 40 hours, no change.

Wage History at a Glance

You’ve witnessed Connecticut salaries increase gradually. Beginning at $15.69 by 2024 the rate climbed to $16.35 in the year that followed a 4.2 percentage ECI increase of 65 cents. Prior to that: $15 in 2023 and $14 in 2022, and then $10.10 in 2017. The roots go back to 1933, however the new law in 2019 phased five steps per year up to $15 before being indexed for the rest of time. Imagine this: in 1968, you made $1.40 an hour. Today, you earn more than 12 times as much and is beating inflation thanks to state-led pushes. The president’s reelection in the United States hasn’t yet impacted state laws; these are Connecticut’s decision.

Here’s how much New Jersey’s minimum wage will increase in 2026

Getting a New Medicare Advantage Plan in 2026?

What It Means for You

The extra 59 cents adds quickly. If you’re a full-time worker (2,080 hours) You’ll earn around $1,227 extra per year before taxes. That’s enough to pay for your month’s food or a cash-flow buffer for your car. If you’re a parent struggling to get through, it can ease pressures on school supplies or childcare. Business owners are also feeling it The owner of the local shop has to adjust their payrolls from day one, January 1 the 1st of January, which falls on a Thursday. anticipate talks coming to be forthcoming. There is no budget boost for many businesses, including schools that hire students, therefore the hours could be shortened. Check your paystub and if your tips aren’t enough then demand a makeup payment. Utilize the your free DOL tools to determine: portal.ct.gov has posters ready for your breakroom.

Employer Tips to Stay Ahead

Are you the boss who reads this? Make sure you update your payroll software today. ADP and others have flagged state raises. Send out new wage notices before December 31; fines will be imposed for non-compliance. For crews who are tipped, keep track of tips each week to demonstrate that you are in full compliance. Paying wage children? Check the ages and times. Smaller operations that have less than two staff are easy to handle, but they must increase the size and adapt. The plan is raised beyond the minimum level to maintain good help. Turnover increases the cost of loyalty.

You’re ready for a more enlightened 2026 pay day for Connecticut–$16.94 minimum wage will begin on January 1, directly from the ECI formula. Set your budget, speak with your employer, and make use of this boost to increase savings or develop abilities. Be aware through ct.gov/dol to be aware of any changes. You’ve earned this opportunity, so make it work in your everyday hustle.

FAQ’s

Will wages for tipped workers change by 2026?

Base hikes remain at $6.38/$8.23 however, the total after tips must be $16.94. The bosses are responsible for the additional amount.

Does this impact the length of your work hours?

Yes the overtime rate is 1.5x the new rate you earn for 40-hour work. No threshold shifts in this case.

How can I submit a report of violations?

Call the CT DOL Wage Unit at 860-263-6790. You can also file online. They will investigate quickly.