On May 20, 2021, Governor Dan McKee signed an amendment to Rhode Island law that will see the Ocean State’s minimum wage increase to $15.00 per hour by 2025.  Beginning January 1, 2022, Rhode Island’s minimum wage will increase from its current $11.50 to $12.25. On January 1, 2023, it will increase to $13.00 and then increase another $1.00 per hour each January 1, until reaching $15.00 in 2025.

There are now fewer than 20 states whose minimum wage is equal to or lower than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, which has been in effect since 2009. Recent efforts to increase the federal minimum wage have failed thus far.

As part of its effort to keep employers informed of the latest minimum wage changes, Jackson Lewis recently established an e-mail alert, “Minimum Wage Watch.” If you or your organization would like to receive these recurring e-mail alerts, you may subscribe here.

If you have any minimum wage questions or questions about any other wage and hour issue, please contact the Jackson Lewis attorney(s) with whom you regularly work.