Intro to New York Labor Laws

The minimum wage in New York varies by location: 

• New York City, Long Island, Westchester - $17.00 per hour 

• Remainder of New York State - $16.00 per hour

Certain industries or roles – such as home care aids, airport workers, fast food – have additional minimum wage requirements. Please check the references for additional minimum wage requirements.

References: 

• New York State Minimum Wage(opens in a new tab) 

• Minimum Wage Tracker(opens in a new tab)

Exempt salary thresholds only apply to administrative and executive exemption types.  More on these exemption types can be found in the references linked below.

The exempt salary minimum salary threshold in New York varies by location*:  

• New York City, Long Island, Westchester - $1,275.00/week ($66,300/year)

• Remainder of New York State: $1,199.10/week ($62,353.20/year)

References: 

• NYS Wage Frequently Asked Questions(opens in a new tab)

• NY Administrative Employee Overtime Exemption(opens in a new tab)

• Executive Employee Overtime Exemption (opens in a new tab)

In New York, employees working at least six consecutive hours are entitled to a 30-minute meal break. Employees may be entitled to additional meal breaks of 20 or 30 minutes depending on the time their shifts begin or conclude. 

References: 

• Meal & Rest Break Requirements(opens in a new tab)

• Guidelines for Meal Periods(opens in a new tab)

Up to three years following the birth of their child, eligible employees in New York are entitled to take as many breaks as they need, within reason, to pump breast milk at work. Of these breaks, 30 minutes must be paid by the employer. 

References: Lactation Rights of Employees(opens in a new tab)