Connecticut Raises Minimum Wage

Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase forty-five cents ($.45) effective January 1, 2014, and another thirty cents ($.30) one year later.  This will bring the rate to $8.70 an hour on January 1, 2014, and to $9.00 on January 1, 2015. The federal minimum wage remains $7.25, but Connecticut employers must comply with the more favorable state law.

Separately, waiters and waitresses may continue to be paid $5.69 per hour and bartenders may receive $7.34.  In effect the legislature increased the “tip credit” each year so that those performing restaurant service tasks must depend on the increased generosity of patrons to gain an increase in pay.

Also, learners, beginners, and workers under the age of 18 may still be paid a “sub-minimum wage” for the first 200 hours of employment equal to 85% of the minimum wage.  For 2014 the sub-minimum wage will be $7.40, and it will increase to $7.65 for 2015.

Employers should obtain updated workplace posters by January 1, 2014 to reflect these changes.