Connecticut Minimum Wage 2026
Connecticut's minimum wage of $16.94 in 2026 is among the highest in the United States, and it is significantly higher than than the base federal minimum wage of $7.25 still used in 20 states.
Federal 
Connecticut Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the weekly minimum wage in Connecticut is $677.60. For full-time employees working 52 weeks per year, the annual minimum wage in Connecticut is $35.2K.
Based on $16.94/hr minimum
Based on $16.94/hr minimum
The minimum wage rate of Connecticut and its neighboring states ranges from $15 to $17, with an average of $16.23. Connecticut, at $16.94, has an above average hourly minimum wage within this group of states. New York ($17) has higher hourly rates than Connecticut. Rhode Island ($16) and Massachusetts ($15) have lower hourly rates than Connecticut.
Connecticut While the general minimum wage is $16.94 per hour in Connecticut, there are exceptions where workers may legally receive less than this amount:
The employee's primary duty should consist of the management of an enterprise or department and direct the work of two or more other employees, and their salary must be paid a salary of more than $475.00 per week. If these requirements are met, the employee is exempt from state minimum wage legislation.
Provided an employee that earns more than $475.00 per week, and their work is office or non-manual work related to management or general business operations or in an academic institution, and the employee regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment as part of their work, then the employee is exempt from state minimum wage legislation.
Provided an employee earns more than $475.00 per week and their primary duty is 'requiring knowledge in an advance field of science or learning', or teaching and lecturing, the employee is exempt from state minimum wage legislation. There is a further exception to this if the employee is a lawyer, doctor or teacher, in which case they are still subject to minimum wage legislation.
Connecticut's cost of living index for 2025 is 112.7, which places it as the 12th most expensive state to live in the United States.
National 100
Connecticut 112.7
Assuming a standard 40-hour work week, the real wage in Connecticut, adjusted for the state’s cost of living index of 112.7, is approximately $15.03 per hour. This means that while the nominal minimum wage is $16.94 per hour, the purchasing power of those earnings is lower due to Connecticut's higher cost of living expenses. For full-time employees, the real weekly earnings amount to roughly $601.24, translating to an annual purchasing power of $31,264.60 when working 52 weeks per year.
Adjusted
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According to the most recent data, the median household income in the United States has seen a significant increase in 2023.
Connecticut’s minimum wage is set by state law and adjusted periodically based on statutory increases and economic indicators. The Connecticut Department of Labor enforces wage laws, and employers must comply with state minimum wage requirements, which are higher than the federal minimum wage.
