Current Minimum Wage in Connecticut
The minimum wage in Connecticut is $16.35 per hour as of 2026. This is $9.1 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $16.35 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $130.8 | 8 |
| Weekly | $654 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $1,308 | 80 |
| Monthly | $2,834 | ~173 |
| Annual | $34,008 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Connecticut can be paid a cash wage of $6.38/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $16.35/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
Adjusted annually based on Employment Cost Index starting 2024.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $18,948 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (CT)
~$19.18/hr
Based on cost of living index (112.8)
Cost of Living Context
Connecticut's cost of living index is 112.8 (national average = 100). This means living in Connecticut is 12.8% more expensive than the national average. The median hourly wage in Connecticut is $24.57/hr, which is 50% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
One of the highest state minimums. Annual increases tied to Employment Cost Index.
How This Compares
| Metric | CT | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $16.35 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $6.38 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $34,008 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Connecticut Average Salary
Median income and top employers in CT
Connecticut Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in CT
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