Connecticut Minimum Wage 2026: $16.94/hr
Last updated: 2026-06-02 — Source: Connecticut Department of Labor
In Connecticut, the minimum wage is $16.94 per hour, effective 2026-01-01. 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.
Quick 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.
Minimum Wage
$16.94
per hour
Tipped Wage
$6.38
per hour (cash wage)
Effective Date
2026-01-01
How Connecticut compares
State vs Federal
+$9.69
vs the federal $7.25 minimum (+133.7%)
State Rate
$16.94
per hour
National Rank
#3
of 51 jurisdictions
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
Connecticut requires overtime at 1.5x for hours over 40 per week, matching FLSA. However, Connecticut has a broader definition of covered employees and fewer exemptions than federal law.
Additional Information
Connecticut adjusts annually (indexed to Employment Cost Index since 2024). Tipped wage rates vary by industry: bartenders $8.23/hr, hotel/restaurant service employees $6.38/hr.