Rhode Island minimum wage in 2027
Rhode Island’s minimum wage rises from $16.00 to $17.00 an hour on Jan 1, 2027, about $2,080 more a year for a full-time worker.
- Minimum wage from Jan 1, 2027$17.00/hrNow: $16.00
- Raise per hour+$1.006.3% more
- Full-time pay at the new rate$35,360/yr2,080 hours, before taxes
- Extra pay for a full-time worker+$2,080/yr
What changes in Rhode Island
- The $1.00 increase is written into state law, the second-largest raise among states changing on Jan 1.
Rhode Island and nearby states
| State | Now | Jan 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $16.00 | $17.00 |
| Massachusetts | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Connecticut | $16.94 | $17.48 |
See every state’s 2027 minimum wage for the full list.
Common questions
What will Rhode Island’s minimum wage be in 2027?
$17.00 an hour from January 1, 2027, set in state law. It is $16.00 now.
How much is $17.00 an hour a year?
About $35,360 for a full-time worker at 2,080 hours, before taxes. That is $2,080 more than at today’s $16.00.
Does Rhode Island use the federal minimum wage?
No. Rhode Island’s rate is higher than the federal $7.25, so the state rate applies to most jobs. If a city or county sets a higher rate, that one applies.
When do employers have to start paying the new rate?
For hours worked on or after January 1, 2027, even if payday falls later in January.
Sources
- Minimum wage by state 2027, StartBusinessByState.com, Oct 16, 2026
- State minimum wage laws, U.S. Department of Labor
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