Beginning on December 31, 2013, New York State’s minimum wage will increase.  The legislation will increase the minimum wage, which is currently $7.25, in phases according to the following schedule: 

Beginning December 31, 2013

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Minimum wage will increase to $8.00 per hour
Beginning December 31, 2014

-

Minimum wage will increase to $8.75 per hour
Beginning December 31, 2015

-

Minimum wage will increase to $9.00 per hour

 The legislation is codified at New York Labor Law § 652, available here and is included with the new approved budget.

The legislation does not address increases for tipped workers, such as those working in food service.  However, the New York State Commissioner of Labor will be issuing a new wage order that will address issues relating to these workers including the minimum hourly cash wage and the minimum allowance for meals and lodging. 

New York now joins approximately 20 states that have hourly minimum wages that are higher than the federal rate of $7.25.