minimum wage

The minimum wage would be raised to $25 an hour under a new bill introduced by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT).

Connecticut workers have one of the highest minimum wages in the country after an increase to $16.94 an hour on January 1. Gov. Ned Lamont said the increase is good for the state’s economy.

State officials announced that Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from $16.35 to $16.94 an hour on Jan. 1, 2026. The increase reflects an adjustment required by a state law that was passed in 2019.

Connecticut's job growth has stalled amid high costs of living, despite rising demand and a minimum wage increase to $16.35. A living wage remains nearly $25 an hour.

Despite increases in the minimum wage in Connecticut, many families still struggle to afford basic necessities. Over one-third of households in the state cannot afford essentials, including housing, utilities, childcare, food, transportation, healthcare and taxes, according to a report released by the Connecticut United Way.

When Connecticut’s minimum wage rose on Jan. 1 from $15 an hour to $15.69, it was good news for many workers. But for small business owners across the state, the increase has far-reaching implications and created concerns.

Connecticut became the state with the highest minimum wage in New England in January. Connecticut now boasts the fourth-highest minimum wage in the United States behind California, Washington and Washington, D.C.

Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase to $15.69 an hour in less than a month, but not for tipped workers who can still legally be paid less than $7 an hour.

The state’s minimum wage will be adjusted every year based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s employment cost index.

Minimum wage has gone up one dollar every year since 2019. The goal was to put more money in the hands of Connecticut residents without hurting businesses.