Rhode Island Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027
As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in Rhode Island is $16.00 per hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. It is set by Rhode Island General Laws section 28-12-3 and administered by the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
Maintained by Archie Chang · Rates and sources checked October 16, 2026 · Methodology & sources
Current rate (October 16, 2026)
$16.00
in effect since January 1, 2026
2027 rate
$17.00
Effective January 1, 2027
Compared with federal $7.25
$8.75 higher
Federal and state rules both apply
Rhode Island minimum wage in 2027
$17.00 per hour from January 1, 2027, up $1.00 (6.3 percent).
A 2025 law (H 5029A / S 0125A) sets $17.00 on January 1, 2027.
Rhode Island uses fixed legislative steps ($16.00 in 2026 and $17.00 in 2027) and has no automatic inflation adjustment.
What changed in Rhode Island
On January 1, 2026, the rate rose $1.00 from $15.00 to $16.00.
Rhode Island minimum wage pay calculator
- Weekly pay
- $640.00
- Monthly pay
- $2,773.33
- Yearly pay
- $33,280.00
- Overtime rate (1.5x)
- $24.00 per hour
Gross pay before taxes at $16.00 per hour in Rhode Island, paid straight time for every hour you enter. Overtime rules differ by state and employee, so use the overtime calculator when you work more than 40 hours a week.
Working more than 40 hours? Try the overtime pay calculator. Paid for a holiday? Use the holiday pay calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Rhode Island in 2026?
As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in Rhode Island is $16.00 per hour for most adult, non-tipped employees. On January 1, 2026, the rate rose $1.00 from $15.00 to $16.00.
Will the Rhode Island minimum wage go up in 2027?
A 2025 law (H 5029A / S 0125A) sets $17.00 on January 1, 2027.
Does Rhode Island have local minimum wages?
Rhode Island's page is based on the statewide rate. Cities or counties may have their own rules where state law allows it, and employers must pay the highest rate that applies.