Rhode Island Minimum Wage Increases New Year's Day

In less than a week, Rhode Island's minimum wage goes up $1.

Gov. Dan McKee signed off on the increase in August.

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The legislation signed by McKee brings the minimum wage to $16 on New Year's Day and $17 on New Year's Day 2027.

An estimated 50,000 Rhode Islanders are currently earning minimum wage, according to a media release from the Rhode Island General Assembly.

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“Over the past few years we have increased our minimum wage to help offset the rising cost of living, helping our working families support themselves and keeping us competitive with our neighboring states," Rep. David A. Bennett, D-Warwick, Cranston, said in the release.

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Bennet, who introduced the legislation with Sen. John Burke, D-West Warwick, added, "But it’s important for us to keep that progress going, because the cost of living continues to rise and our minimum wage is not scheduled to increase after this year."

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The minimum wage in Rhode Island was last raised to $15 on Jan. 1, 2025, according to the release.

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