Connecticut Minimum Wage 2026
Current minimum wage, scheduled increases, tipped worker rules, and political context for Connecticut’s wage policy in 2026.
$16.35
Current Minimum Wage
$16.80 (est.)
Projected 2026 Rate
$8.23
Tipped Worker Rate
CPI-indexed from 2024
Scheduled Increases
Minimum Wage Overview
Connecticut passed legislation in 2019 to raise the minimum wage incrementally to $15 by 2023, with CPI indexing thereafter. The state has among the highest minimum wages in the Northeast outside New York and Massachusetts.
Wage Policy Details
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Minimum Wage | $16.35/hour |
| Tipped Worker Minimum | $8.23/hour |
| Scheduled Increases | CPI-indexed from 2024 |
| Projected 2026 Rate | $16.80 (est.)/hour |
| Legislative Source | Legislative action (2019) + CPI |
Political Context
Connecticut Democrats passed minimum wage increases over business opposition. The state has significant service industry employment where minimum wage policy has direct impact. The tipped wage credit is lower than the standard minimum, a point of contention for restaurant workers.