Laws by state · data
Connecticut wage and hour laws, 2026
The minimum wage in Connecticut is $16.94 an hour in 2026; overtime is owed after 40 hours a week. Tipped workers can be paid $6.38 an hour in cash, with up to $10.56 of their tips counted toward the $16.94 minimum. The minimum rises to $17.48 on January 1, 2027.
Minimum wage
| Minimum wage, per hour | $16.94 |
|---|---|
| Set by | State law |
| January 1, 2027 (scheduled) | $17.48 |
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws (updated July 1, 2026; Michigan: $15.00 scheduled for January 1, 2027); Connecticut Department of Labor, press room 2026: minimum wage of $17.48 on January 1, 2027. Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Minimum wage by state, 2026
Tipped minimum wage
| Minimum cash wage | $6.38 |
|---|---|
| Max tip credit | $10.56 |
| Full minimum wage | $16.94 |
Hotel and restaurant workers. Bartenders who customarily receive tips: $8.23 cash wage, $8.71 tip credit.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (last revised July 1, 2026). Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Tipped minimum wage by state, 2026
Overtime
| Time and a half after, per day | No |
|---|---|
| Time and a half after, per week | 40 h |
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws: premium pay after designated hours (updated July 1, 2026). Checked November 5, 2026. The full table: Overtime laws by state, 2026
Worked examples at the minimum wage
A 40-hour week: $677.60
Five 8-hour days at the $16.94 minimum, before taxes: 40 regular hours, no overtime.
A 45-hour week: $804.65
Five 9-hour days at the $16.94 minimum, before taxes: 40 regular hours and 5 overtime hours at $25.41 (1.5 times $16.94), $127.05 of overtime pay.
A year of full time: $35,235.20
40 hours a week for 52 weeks at the $16.94 minimum, before taxes: $2,936.27 a month.
A tipped worker’s 30 hours: $508.20
The employer pays $191.40 in cash wages ($6.38 an hour) and may count up to $316.80 of tips toward the rest; if tips fall short, the employer makes up the difference.
A summary of what these agencies and statutes say, not legal advice. Cities and counties may set higher minimum wages, and exemptions or industry rules can change what you are owed: check your state’s labor department.
Wage and hour laws in every state