Employers in New York are subject to different minimum wages, allowable tip credits, and minimum exempt employee salaries based on where employees work and what kind of work they do. The wage increases listed below took effect on December 31, 2020.
Minimum Wage in Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties
The minimum wage in these counties will increase to $14 per hour.
Minimum Wage in the Rest of the State
The statewide minimum wage will increase to $12.50 per hour. This applies to employees outside of New York City and Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties, except for fast food employees.
(New York City’s minimum wage previously increased to $15 and applies to all workers in NYC.)
Minimum Wage for Fast Food Employees
The minimum wage for fast food employees working outside of New York City will increase to $14.50 per hour. The final scheduled increase to $15.00 per hour will take effect on July 1, 2021
Tipped Employee Minimum Cash Wage
The minimum cash wage for tipped employees will increase as follows:
Service employees (other than at resort hotels) covered by the Hospitality Wage Order:
- Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties: $11.65
- The rest of the state: $10.40
- (New York City’s minimum previously increased to $12.50)
Food service employees:
- Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties: $9.35
- The rest of the state: $8.35
- (New York City’s minimum previously increased to $10.00)
Tip Credit Eliminated in Miscellaneous Industries
Employers of employees covered by the Minimum Wage Order for Miscellaneous Industries won’t be able to take a tip credit as of December 31, 2020.
Tips and Gratuities Frequently Asked Questions
Exempt Administrative and Executive Minimum Salaries
The minimum salary for exempt executive and administrative employees in New York will increase as follows:
- Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties: $1,050 per week, which equals $54,600 per year.
- The rest of the state outside New York City: $937.50 per week, which equals $48,750 per year.
- (The minimum in New York City previously increased to $1,125 per week.)
(HR On the Move Article)
Now is the opportunity to review payrates and job descriptions. Is the position truly an exempt executive or administrative position? Ensure that job duties align with requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act. I am happy to work with any organization to determine exempt vs. non-exempt duties and responsibilities. Continue to monitor for any significant changes at the federal level in 2021 as well, minimum wage has not been increased federally since July 2009.
BURR CONSULTING, LLC 