Connecticut employers should be aware of new laws that take effect in 2026.
Minimum Wage Increase
Connecticut’s minimum wage increased from $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour as of January 1, 2026. The state’s minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the employment cost index, which increased by 3.6%. Connecticut’s minimum wage is amongst the highest in the country.
As the minimum wage increased, the maximum weekly benefit that employees can receive under the Connecticut Paid Family and Medical Leave insurance program also increased from $981 to $1016.40 (capped at 60 times the minimum wage).
Expansion of Paid Sick Leave Coverage
As of January 1, 2026, Connecticut’s paid sick leave law applies to employers with 11 or more employees (down from 25). Under this law, covered employees earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to a maximum of 40 hours per year. The paid sick leave law includes many other provisions such as an expansive definition of covered family members, various reasons that employees may use sick leave, limits on minimum increments of leave, and recordkeeping obligations for employers. The sick leave law will eventually expand to cover nearly all employers on January 1, 2027.
If you have questions about tips and overtime pay, please contact our Labor & Employment team:
Nick Zaino
Partner
[email protected]
203.578.4270
This information is for educational purposes only, to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does not establish any attorney-client relationship.