Connecticut Minimum Wage Calculator
2026Connecticut minimum wage is $16.94/hr (tipped: $6.38/hr). Convert between hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual pay.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Connecticut Minimum Wage
$16.94/hr
Tipped minimum wage: $6.38/hr
$9.69 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr
Hourly Rate
$24.04
Monthly Pay
$4,166.67
Annual Salary
$50,000.00
Pay Breakdown
| Hourly | $24.04 |
| Daily (8 hrs) | $192.31 |
| Weekly | $961.54 |
| Biweekly | $1,923.08 |
| Monthly | $4,166.67 |
| Annual | $50,000.00 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
What's the minimum wage in Connecticut?
Connecticut sets its minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25/hr at $16.94/hr (2026). Employers must pay the higher of the two — federal vs. state — when both apply.
Some local jurisdictions and large employers may pay more than the state minimum: cities like Seattle, San Francisco, New York City, and Washington DC have their own higher wage floors, and many large retailers and fast-food chains have raised internal starting wages to $15–$18/hr regardless of state law. Tipped employees may have a lower direct cash wage as long as tips bring total earnings up to the standard minimum; if not, the employer must make up the difference.
Use the calculator above to convert between hourly, weekly, monthly, and annual figures — useful for budgeting, comparing job offers, or understanding how an hourly raise translates to gross income. For overtime (hours above 40/week), most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate; some states (CA, AK, NV, CO) require overtime above 8 hours/day as well.
Connecticut minimum wage: tipped, youth, and indexing rules
- Tipped wage
- $6.38 (hotel/restaurant), $8.23 (bartenders) — variable tip credit
- Youth/training wage
- Federal $4.25 first 90 days for under 18 (limited use)
- Next scheduled change
- Annual CPI indexing each January 1 (HB 5004 of 2019)
Connecticut's minimum wage is $16.35/hour (2026), indexed annually to the federal employment-cost index under HB 5004 (2019). The tipped wage is unusually structured: $6.38/hour for hotel and restaurant servers, $8.23 for bartenders, with the employer required to make up the difference if tips don't reach the standard minimum. Connecticut's "service charge" laws (PA 19-4) clarify that mandatory service fees must be distributed to staff.
Connecticut Wage & Rate Details (2026)
| State Minimum Wage | $16.94/hr |
| Tipped Minimum Wage | $6.38/hr |
| Federal Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr |
| Difference from Federal | +$9.69/hr |
| Weekly Pay (40 hrs) | $677.60 |
| Monthly Pay (est.) | $2936.27 |
| Annual Pay (2,080 hrs) | $35,235.20 |
Minimum wage — frequently asked questions
What is the federal minimum wage in 2026?
The federal minimum wage remains $7.25/hour, unchanged since 2009. The federal tipped-employee minimum is $2.13/hour (employer must make up the difference if tips don't reach $7.25). Many states and cities set higher minimums that supersede the federal floor for workers in those jurisdictions.
Which states have the highest minimum wage in 2026?
2026 leaders: Washington ($17.13/hr), Connecticut ($16.94/hr), California ($16.90/hr), New York ($17.00/hr in NYC + Long Island + Westchester), and Massachusetts ($15.00/hr). Several cities exceed their state minimum — Denver $19.32/hr, Seattle ~$21/hr for large employers, DC $17.95/hr. Most "high-wage" states index annually to inflation.
How is overtime calculated on minimum wage?
Federal FLSA requires time-and-a-half (1.5×) for hours worked over 40 in a week for non-exempt employees. At $7.25/hr regular, overtime is $10.875/hr. Some states (California, Alaska, Nevada, Colorado) also require daily overtime over 8 hours/day. Salaried employees making over the FLSA exemption threshold ($684/wk in 2026) are typically exempt from overtime.
Can my employer pay below minimum wage?
Generally no, but exceptions exist: tipped workers ($2.13/hr cash wage if tips reach minimum), under-20 trainees ($4.25/hr for first 90 days), full-time students in retail/agriculture (85% of minimum with permit), and certain disabled workers (special wage certificates). State laws often eliminate these exceptions — verify locally.
How does minimum wage affect take-home pay?
A 40-hour week at $7.25 federal minimum is $290/wk gross, $15,080/year. After federal income tax (mostly offset by EITC for low earners), FICA 7.65%, and any state tax, take-home is roughly $13,000–$13,500. At $16.90 California minimum: $35,152/year gross, ~$28,000–$30,000 take-home depending on filing status.