Connecticut Minimum Wage Set to Increase to $16.94 on January 1, 2026
On September 3, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont announced that the minimum wage in Connecticut will rise from $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour, effective January 1, 2026 . This increase is the result of the indexing mechanism under Public Act 19-4, which ties the state minimum wage to the federal Employment Cost Index. Quick Hits Effective January 1, 2026, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase 59¢ to $16.94 per hour. Connecticut will rank second in the nation for the highest statewide minimum wage in 2026. Key Details This upcoming adjustment will keep the Constitution State at the forefront of the national wage landscape, reflecting a 3.6 percent increase based on the annual period ending June 30, 2025. The statutory framework mandates that the rate adjustment be announced by October 15 each year, with the new rate becoming effective on January 1 of the following year. Ranking second in 2026 after Washington state ($17.13/hour), Connecticut’s seemingly modest minimum wage ...