Connecticut minimum wage in 2026: The state of Connecticut has confirmed that workers will soon get a higher minimum wage. From January 1, 2026, the new rate will be $16.94 for every hour of work. This change comes because of a law passed back in 2019 that makes sure the wage goes up automatically every year. The state follows the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment Cost Index to decide the new amount. Every October the state announces the updated number, and the new pay starts the following January.
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How the Wage is Set and What Changed
The Employment Cost Index looks at how much employers are paying workers in wages and benefits, and then the state uses that growth to set the increase. In 2024 the minimum wage in Connecticut stood at $15.69 per hour, already one of the highest rates in the country. The new 2026 figure adds $1.25 more per hour, which means the state still leads much of New England when it comes to pay standards.
Impact on Workers and Employers
This rise is expected to help more than 10% of the people working in Connecticut. Many of them are in jobs like retail stores, service work, and healthcare. Because of the change, other employers might also feel they need to raise their pay to make sure they can keep good workers. The increase shows that the state wants to protect the income of workers and make sure it grows along with the cost of living.
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Employers will have to be ready for this new wage by January 2026. They must update payroll systems and check that all contracts or agreements follow the new rule. If they fail to do this, the Department of Labor in the state could fine them. That is why businesses are advised to make adjustments early.
