Rhode Island Minimum Wage (2026)
Rhode Island’s minimum wage is $16.00 — $8.75 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: tipped minimum $3.89. Next change: $17.00 scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in Rhode Island is $16.00/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$16.00
- Tipped minimum$3.89
- Next scheduled change$17.00 on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$33,280
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | $17.00 |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
Rhode Island vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | $16.94 | +$0.94 |
| Massachusetts | $15.00 | −$1.00 |
Rhode Island minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $16.00 |
| 2025 | $15.00 |
| 2024 | $14.00 |
| 2023 | $13.00 |
| 2022 | $12.25 |
| 2021 | $11.50 |
| 2020 | $11.50 |
| 2019 | $10.50 |
| 2018 | $10.10 |
| 2017 | $9.60 |
| 2016 | $9.60 |
| 2015 | $9.00 |
| 2014 | $8.00 |
| 2013 | $7.75 |
| 2012 | $7.40 |
| 2011 | $7.40 |
| 2010 | $7.40 |
| 2009 | $7.40 |
| 2008 | $7.40 |
| 2007 | $7.40 |
| 2006 | $6.75 |
| 2005 | $6.75 |
| 2004 | $6.75 |
| 2003 | $6.15 |
| 2002 | $6.15 |
| 2001 | $6.15 |
| 2000 | $5.65 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
CONFLICT RESOLVED: NCSL (July 2026) lists $15.00, but RI DLT (state government) and both DOL pages confirm $16.00 effective 1-1-2026, with $17.00 on 1-1-2027 (RI Gen. Law 28-12). Tipped: DOL table shows cash wage $3.89 / max credit $12.11; RI DLT's page phrases it invertedly ('$16 minus $3.89 tip credit = $12.11') - the long-standing $3.89 cash wage per DOL is used; flag for review.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Rhode Island in 2026?
$16.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $8.75 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Rhode Island?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $3.89; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Rhode Island's minimum wage go up next?
$17.00 takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Rhode Island per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $16.00/hour is $33,280 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Rhode Island labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.