Effective January 1, 2024, Connecticut’s minimum wage increased from the previous rate of $15.00 per hour to $15.69 per hour as a result of the state’s first-ever economic indicator adjustment.
This adjustment is required under a state law that Governor Lamont signed in 2019 (Public Act 19-4), which implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023. This will be followed by future adjustments that are tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.
Annually, by October 15, Connecticut workers and employers can expect announcements declaring the change in the minimum wage that will become effective on January 1 of the following year.
Hotel and restaurant workers are paid a little differently, as their wages are calculated to account for tips. Under current law, the tip credit allows employers to pay these workers less than the established minimum wage per hour, as long as their tips make up the difference. The One Fair Wage bill is currently up for discussion by the Labor and Public Employees Committee starting in February 2024. If passed, it would abolish the tip credit and mandate minimum wage payments for all Connecticut workers.
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