Overview of Connecticut's Minimum Wage Requirements
As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Connecticut is $15.69 per hour. This marks an increase from the previous rate of $15.00 per hour, a change resulting from the state's first-ever economic indicator adjustment. This adjustment was enacted under a state law signed by Governor Ned Lamont in 2019 (Public Act 19-4). The law implemented five incremental increases in the minimum wage between 2019 and 2023, with future adjustments tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.
The state's minimum wage is adjusted annually each January 1st, based on the U.S. Department of Labor's calculation of the employment cost index for the twelve-month period ending on June 30th of the preceding year. The Connecticut Department of Labor reviews this percentage change and announces any adjustments by October 15th of each year. The minimum wage adjustments become effective on the next January 1st.
Understanding Local Minimum Wage Variations
The minimum wage in Connecticut applies uniformly across the state, including all counties and cities. Therefore, as of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Fairfield County, Hartford County, New Haven County, Litchfield County, Middlesex County, Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, and Waterbury is $15.69 per hour.
This rate applies to most employees, with certain exceptions such as tipped employees, some student workers, and other exempt occupations. For minors under the age of 18, the minimum wage is 85% of the current minimum wage, which applies indefinitely for those working at farms or for the government, and for the first 200 hours of employment elsewhere.
Minimum Wage Eligibility and Exemptions
In Connecticut, the majority of employees are eligible for the state minimum wage. However, there are specific exceptions to this rule. Certain categories of employees are exempt from the minimum wage requirement, including agricultural employees, executive, administrative, and professional employees as defined by the Labor Commissioner, any salesman primarily engaged in selling automobiles, any driver or helper where the U.S. Secretary of Transportation has the power to establish qualifications and minimum hours of service, and any outside salesperson as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
In addition, tipped employees, some student workers, and other exempt occupations may not be covered by the minimum wage. Minors under the age of 18 are entitled to 85% of the current minimum wage. This rate applies indefinitely for minors working at farms or for the government, and for the first 200 hours of employment for minors employed elsewhere.
Minimum Wage Considerations and Compliance Tips
In Connecticut, food business employers must adhere to several key legal and compliance considerations regarding minimum wage. Employers are required to pay 1-1 1/2 times the employee's regular rate of pay after 40 hours in the workweek, with overtime pay due for actual hours worked over 40. There's no requirement to pay overtime on a daily basis, weekends, or holidays except by agreement.
Employers must keep a true and accurate time and wage record for each employee for a period of three years at the place of employment. The records should include details such as name, home address, occupation, total daily and weekly hours worked, total hourly, daily, or weekly basic wage, overtime wage as a separate item, additions and deductions from wages each pay period, total wages paid each pay period, and working certificates for 16-18-year-old employees.
FAQs
- What is the current minimum wage in Connecticut? As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Connecticut is $15.69 per hour.
- Are there any exemptions to the minimum wage in Connecticut? Yes, certain categories of employees are exempt from the minimum wage requirement, including agricultural employees, executive, administrative, professional employees, any salesman primarily engaged in selling automobiles, any driver or helper where the U.S. Secretary of Transportation has the power to establish qualifications and minimum hours of service, and any outside salesperson as defined by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
- What is the minimum wage for minors in Connecticut? Minors under the age of 18 are entitled to 85% of the current minimum wage. This rate applies indefinitely for minors working at farms or for the government, and for the first 200 hours of employment for minors employed elsewhere.
Information Source Links
- Connecticut Minimum Wage
- Connecticut Department of Labor
- Minimum Wage Public Act No. 19-4
- Official Press Release
- Wage and Workplace Standards Division's website
- Connecticut General Assembly
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