Minimum Wage in Connecticut
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Connecticut's minimum wage increases annually and is among the highest in the nation, with special rules for certain workers.
How Connecticut treats Minimum Wage
Connecticut sets its minimum wage above the federal floor and increases it regularly; as of 2024, it stands at $15.69 per hour. The state requires employers to provide paid sick leave in addition to minimum wage obligations. Tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage from their employer; tips are a bonus, not a wage credit. Agricultural workers and certain other categories may have different wage requirements under state law.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Connecticut.