Connecicut has one of the higher minimum wage rates in the entire country. On January 1st, 2025, our state’s minimum wage is set to increase. It will jump from $15.69 per hour to $16.35 per hour to adjust for inflation and increase in the cost of living in our region. To comply with wage and hour requirements, employers must proactively make a change to pay rates. Here, our Connecticut wage and hour attorney highlights the key points employees should know about our state’s minimum wage—and their rights—for 2025.

Know the Law: Minimum Wage Rising on January 1st, 2025

The Connecticut minimum wage is significantly higher than the federal minimum wage. All employers in Connecticut are required to comply with our state’s minimum wage. Starting January 1, 2025, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from $15.69 to $16.35 per hour. The adjustment—which is an increase of 66 cents per hour—will take effect to follow the requirements of a 2019 state law that ties the minimum wage to the federal employment cost index. The law mandates annual adjustments based on economic factors to ensure wages keep pace with the cost of living. According to state data, approximately 166,000 workers will benefit from this change. While $0.66 per hour may not seem like much on the surface, it is a big change over time. If a person earning minimum wage works 40 hours per week for an entire year, he or she will earn nearly $1,400 in additional income.

Employers Must Make the Change on their Own (New Rate Applies As of the New Year)

Employers in Connecticut are required to implement the new minimum wage rate of $16.35 per hour on their own, starting January 1, 2025. There is no phase-in period; the updated wage applies to all applicable employees from the first day of the new year. The change is mandatory. Employers must adjust their payroll systems accordingly to comply with state law. As an employee who is making minimum wage in Connecticut, you deserve full and fair pay. Here is an overview of examples of an employer making changes the right way and an employer violating your rights:

The Right Way ($0.66 Increase Per Hour Starting January 1st): Imagine that you work at a grocery store chain in Hartford earning minimum wage. Prior to the new year, your employer updated their payroll systems to reflect the new hourly rate of $16.35. The change automatically takes effect on January 1st. Your employer also holds staff meetings in December to inform you and other employees about the upcoming pay increase and provides updated pay stubs early in January to ensure transparency. In this scenario, your employer complied with Connecticut law and did things the right way.
The Wrong Way (Leaving the Current Minimum Wage in Place): Unfortunately, wage and hour violations are a persistent problem. Imagine that you work at a café in Harford earning minimum wage. You are a full-time employee. However, your employer neglected to implement the new minimum wage increase by January 1st. Instead, it continues to pay you and other similarly situated staff the previous rate of $15.69 per hour. They ignored the state-mandated increase and provided no communication about the upcoming legal changes. After just a single month, that employer would have underpaid you by more than $100.00. A minimum wage violation can really add up over time.

What to Do If You Suspect a Minimum Wage Violation

Do you believe that you are being denied a minimum wage in Connecticut? Whether you are a full-time worker, part-time worker, tipped employee, or find yourself in any other situation, it is imperative that you take immediate action to protect your wage and hour rights. Here are three steps to take if you suspect your minimum wage rights were violated:

Document the Violation: You should begin by keeping detailed records of your work hours, pay stubs, and any correspondence related to your pay. You should also note the dates and amounts paid, comparing them with the required state minimum wage. Remember, the $16.35 hourly rate is effective from January 1st, 2025 going forward.
Report it to Your Employer: You have the right to report a minimum wage violation without fear of retaliation. Once you have sufficient documentation, formally address the issue with your employer. You should outline the specifics of the violation, including dates and the amount you were underpaid, and request a full and immediate correction in pay.
Get Professional Help: Wage and hour cases are complicated. You do not have to take on an employer who violates your minimum wage rights on your own. A top Connecticut wage and hour lawyer can review your case, gather evidence, and take action to help you get access to the full and fair pay that you rightfully earned.

Why Trust Our Attorney for Help With a Wage and Hour Claim in Connecticut

All employees in Connecticut are entitled to the proper minimum wage. If you are underpaid in violation of state law, you have the right to bring a wage and hour claim to seek back pay and, potentially, other damages. At Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, LLC, we have extensive experience handling complex wage and hour cases—from individual lawsuits to class action claims. Our client testimonials and representative case results tell the story best. We invest time, resources, and personal attention to protect the rights and the interests of workers in Connecticut.

Set Up a Confidential Consultation With Our Connecticut Minimum Wage Lawyer Today

At Hayber, McKenna & Dinsmore, LLC, our Connecticut wage and hour attorneys have the skills and experience to handle all types of minimum wage cases. If you or your loved one was not paid a minimum wage by an employer, we are more than ready to help. Get in touch with us by phone at (860) 522-8888 or contact us online to set up your fully private, no strings attached case review. We represent workers across Connecticut in wage and hour cases.