Rhode Island minimum wage
Minimum wage in Rhode Island, in effect since January 1, 2026
$16.00 an hour
That is $8.75 above the federal minimum of $7.25. Employers in Rhode Island pay the higher state rate.
Next increase: $17.00 on January 1, 2027.
Tipped employees
Employers in Rhode Island can pay tipped employees a cash wage of $3.89 an hour, taking a tip credit of up to $12.11, as long as tips bring the employee to at least $16.00 for every hour worked. If they don't, the employer makes up the difference.
Youth and training wages
Minors aged 14 and 15 may be paid 75% of the minimum wage, but get the full rate for all hours in any week they work over 24 hours. Full-time students under 19 working for nonprofit religious, educational, library or community service organizations: at least 90%.
Scheduled increases
| Effective date | Standard rate | Tipped cash wage | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 (current) | $16.00 | $3.89 | In effect |
| January 1, 2027 | $17.00 | $3.89 | Set in law R.I. Gen. Laws 28-12-3(q). Tipped cash wage stays $3.89 (28-12-5). |
How future increases are set
No automatic indexing; rates are set in statute.
Exceptions and details
- RI DLT's minimum wage page (dlt.ri.gov) blocks automated access behind a security check, so the statute is the source.
Common questions
- What is the minimum wage in Rhode Island?
- $16.00 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2026.
- What is the tipped minimum wage in Rhode Island?
- $3.89 an hour in cash wages, provided tips bring the employee up to $16.00 an hour.
- When does the Rhode Island minimum wage go up?
- It rises to $17.00 on January 1, 2027.
Running payroll in Rhode Island?
Recent changes
Last verified against the official source on October 9, 2026.
No changes recorded since we started tracking this page.
Sources
- State of Rhode Island General Assembly (R.I. Gen. Laws 28-12); enforced by RI Department of Labor and Training · data as of January 1, 2026 · last checked October 9, 2026
We copy figures from official sources and re-check them against the source before every update. See our methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.