Rhode Island Minimum Wage in 2026
Rhode Island's minimum wage is $16.00 per hour as of January 1, 2026, up from $15.00 in 2025. This increase was part of legislation signed by Governor Dan McKee, with the wage rising again to $17.00 per hour on January 1, 2027.
| Year | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $14.00/hr |
| 2025 | $15.00/hr |
| 2026 | $16.00/hr |
| 2027 | $17.00/hr |
Official source: RI Department of Labor and Training — Minimum Wage
Tipped Employee Minimum Wage
Tipped workers (servers, bartenders) receive a minimum cash wage of $3.89 per hour. Tips must bring total hourly pay to at least $16.00/hr. If they don't, employers are legally required to make up the difference.
Who the $16 Minimum Wage Applies To
- Most Rhode Island hourly workers, full-time and part-time
- Workers at restaurants, retail, hospitality, warehouses, and offices statewide
- Part-time and seasonal workers (with limited exceptions)
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Exemptions and special rates:
- Workers under 18 enrolled in school: $11.00/hr training wage for first 90 days, then full $16.00/hr
- Full-time students at colleges (Brown, URI, PC): may earn 75% of minimum under specific circumstances
- Independent contractors are not covered (but misclassification is actively enforced)
How Rhode Island Compares to Neighboring States (2026)
| State | 2026 Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $16.00/hr |
| Massachusetts | $15.00/hr |
| Connecticut | ~$16.35/hr (CPI-indexed) |
| New York | $16.00/hr (NYC higher) |
Rhode Island's 2026 rate now exceeds Massachusetts and matches New York's statewide floor, making it one of the stronger state minimums in the region.
Filing a Wage Complaint
If you're paid less than $16.00/hr, contact the RI Department of Labor and Training:
- Address: 1511 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920
- Phone: (401) 462-8000
- Website: dlt.ri.gov
Rhode Island law prohibits employer retaliation against workers who file wage complaints. The statute of limitations is three years.
FAQ
What is the Rhode Island minimum wage in 2026?
$16.00 per hour as of January 1, 2026. It increases to $17.00 on January 1, 2027.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Rhode Island?
$3.89/hr cash base wage. With tips, total must reach $16.00/hr or the employer pays the difference.
Is the federal minimum wage different from Rhode Island's?
Yes. The federal minimum is $7.25/hr, but Rhode Island's $16.00 state rate overrides it — employers must pay the higher state rate.
Does the minimum wage apply to part-time workers?
Yes. All covered employees regardless of hours worked are entitled to the $16.00/hr minimum.
When does the Rhode Island minimum wage increase again?
January 1, 2027 — it rises to $17.00 per hour under the existing legislation.