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Minimum Wage in Rhode Island

Rhode Island's minimum wage is $16.00 per hour in 2026 and rises to $17.00 on January 1, 2027, while the tipped cash wage stays at $3.89 per hour.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Rhode Island at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$16.00
Effective January 1, 2026.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$3.89
Applies in restaurants, hotels and similar industries (not taxicabs), if tips make up the difference.
Next scheduled increase
$17.00 on January 1, 2027
Set by 2025 amendments (P.L. 2025, ch. 222 and 223).

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Rhode Island

What is the minimum wage in Rhode Island in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in Rhode Island: $16.00. Effective January 1, 2026.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in Rhode Island?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in Rhode Island: $3.89. Applies in restaurants, hotels and similar industries (not taxicabs), if tips make up the difference.

When is the next minimum wage increase in Rhode Island?

Next scheduled increase in Rhode Island: $17.00 on January 1, 2027. Set by 2025 amendments (P.L. 2025, ch. 222 and 223).

Where do the Rhode Island minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from R.I. Gen. Laws 28-12-3 and R.I. Gen. Laws 28-12-5. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.