Minimum Wage Law

Information for Employers: Minimum Wage

Employees in New York are entitled to receive at least an hourly Minimum Wage rate.

To help you learn what wage you should be earning, use the New York State Department of Labor Minimum Wage Lookup Tool.

Minimum wage rules in New York State vary by industry. If you are a home care aide, domestic worker, farmworker, airport worker, or work in the Building Service or Hospitality industries, special rules may apply. Special rates apply for some tipped workers. Also, some employers can reduce your pay up to certain amounts, for example, if they provide you meals or lodging.

Minimum wage rules in New York State vary by region. The minimum wage rate is based on where an employee performs work, NOT on the office location.

You may be entitled to extra pay, in addition to the hourly minimum wage, including:

  • Overtime: Pay at 1½ times your regular rate of pay for time worked over 40 hours in a work week.
  • Call-in Pay: If you go to work as scheduled and your employer sends you home early, you may be entitled to extra hours of pay at the minimum wage rate.
  • Spread of Hours or Split Shift: If your workday lasts longer than ten hours or your hours of work are split (not consecutive), you may be entitled to an extra hour of pay at the minimum wage rate.
  • Uniform Maintenance: If you clean your own uniform, you may be entitled to additional weekly pay.

In addition, employers must:

  • Pay you at least the minimum wage for every hour you work, including work before and/or after your scheduled shift and time spent traveling for work during the workday.
  • Provide you with a pay notice when you’re hired.
  • Provide you with a detailed wage statement (pay stub) each payday.
For information or to file a complaint, contact:

New York State Department of Labor
888-469-7365 | labor.ny.gov


Employers cannot retaliate against employees who make a complaint.