Statutory minimum wage in Rhode Island (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Rhode Island has a state minimum wage of $16.00 per hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $16.00 per hour [1] |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | 1 January 2027 [2] |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | $17.00 per hour [2] |
| Overtime payEmployees | Time and a half for hours over 40 in a workweek. Retail Sunday and holiday hours already paid at time and a half are left out of the overtime count. [3] |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | At least $3.89 per hour cash wage (since 1 January 2017); wage plus tips must reach the minimum wage. [4] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | Workers aged 14 and 15: at least 75% of the minimum wage, but the full rate for all hours in any week in which they work more than 24 hours. [5] |
Notes
- The rate comes from the U.S. Department of Labor state summary; the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training and legislature sites could not be reached.
- Section 28-12-5(f) also allows 90% of the minimum wage for full-time students under 19 working for certain non-profit religious, educational, library or community-service bodies.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: State Minimum Wage Laws (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 28-12-3 Minimum wages (Internet Archive snapshot of 9 September 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 28-12-4.1 Overtime pay (Internet Archive snapshot of 20 January 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 28-12-5 Employees receiving gratuities (Internet Archive snapshot of 5 December 2025) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Rhode Island General Assembly: R.I. Gen. Laws 28-12-3.1 Wages for minors (Internet Archive snapshot of 20 January 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Rhode Island and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | Yes (state law) | $16.00 per hour | Ages 14-15: 75% (up to 24 hours a week) | 1 January 2027 | $17.00 per hour |
| Connecticut | Yes | $16.94 per hour | Under 18: 85% for first 90 days | 1 January 2027 | $17.48 per hour |
| Massachusetts | Yes | $15.00 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| New York | Yes | Employees, NYC, Long Island, Westchester: $17.00 per hour (NYC, Long Island, Westchester) Employees, Rest of state: $16.00 per hour (rest of state) | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Rhode Island
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 3 mature + 3 immature plants
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph day, 45 mph night
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (limited instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Non-aerial items only · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed: 3 in blade limit
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.