Blog · Payroll Management
Connecticut Minimum Wage 2026: Rates & Rules
Connecticut's 2026 minimum wage is $16.94 per hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Connecticut employers, especially in restaurants and hotel restaurants, need to track an additional 7th-consecutive-day premium pay rule on top of standard weekly overtime, making accurate time tracking essential.
Connecticut Minimum Wage Rate Table
| Jurisdiction | 2026 Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Connecticut state minimum wage | $16.94 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25 |
Overtime Rules in Connecticut
Connecticut requires overtime pay of 1.5x the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. In addition, Connecticut applies a 7th-consecutive-day premium pay rule specifically in restaurants and hotel restaurants, requiring extra pay when an employee works seven consecutive days.
Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave
Connecticut requires paid sick leave and operates a state paid family and medical leave (PFML) program. Both requirements apply on top of the state's wage and hour rules.
Tipped Wages and Local Ordinances
Connecticut allows a tip credit against the state minimum wage for certain tipped occupations. Confirm current tipped-wage rates and any local ordinance questions with the state labor office contacts, since rules and rates can shift.
What This Means for Payroll Compliance
Connecticut's 7th-consecutive-day premium rule for restaurants adds a layer of complexity that most payroll systems are not built to catch automatically. Multi-state employers, especially in hospitality, need consecutive-day tracking alongside standard weekly overtime and correct minimum wage application. Missing the premium pay rule creates direct penalty exposure.
BEG's managed payroll service applies Connecticut's overtime and consecutive-day premium rules automatically, so restaurant and hospitality employers do not have to track this manually across every location.
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BEG manages payroll at $25-$45 per employee per month, all-inclusive. Get an instant cost comparison for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Connecticut in 2026?
Connecticut’s minimum wage is $16.94 per hour in 2026, per the U.S. Department of Labor.
What overtime rules apply in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires overtime pay of 1.5x the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, following the standard weekly threshold.
Is there a special overtime rule for restaurants in Connecticut?
Yes. Connecticut has a 7th-consecutive-day premium pay rule that applies specifically to restaurants and hotel restaurants.
Does Connecticut require paid sick leave and paid family leave?
Yes. Connecticut requires paid sick leave and operates a state paid family and medical leave (PFML) program.
Do restaurant employers in Connecticut need special payroll handling?
Yes. Restaurant and hotel restaurant employers must track consecutive days worked to correctly apply the 7th-day premium pay rule, in addition to standard weekly overtime.
Related Resources
Anthony leads payroll solutions at Business Executive Group, a national managed payroll firm serving businesses across industries. BEG manages payroll at $25-$45 PEPM, all-inclusive, with deep expertise in compliance, multi-state filing, and industry-specific payroll requirements. Get instant pricing at beghr.com.
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