Employers should prepare themselves for the several changes in employment-related laws and regulations set to become effective in 2026. We summarize some of the key changes below.
Effective January 1, 2026, New York's salary basis test for employees classified as exempt under the administrative and executive exemptions will increase as follows:
New York City, Westchester, and Long Island | $1,275.00/week or $66,300.00/year (increased from $1,237.50/week or $64,350.00/year) |
Remainder of New York state | $1,999.10/week or $62,353.20/year (increased from 1,161.65/week or $60,405.80/year) |
Effective January 1, 2026, New York's minimum wage will increase for all employees (excluding home care aides and certain other industry employees) as follows:
New York City, Westchester, and Long Island | $17.00/hour (increased from $16.50/hour) |
Remainder of New York state | $16.00/hour (increased from 15.50/hour) |
As of January 1, 2026, the allowable "tip credit" for food service workers and service employees and the minimum cash wage is scheduled to increase.
A food service worker is defined as any employee who is primarily engaged in the serving of food or beverages to guests, patrons, or customers in the hospitality industry, including but not limited to wait staff, bartenders,...
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