RI's minimum wage is going up again in 2026. What to know.

Rhode Island's minimum wage will rise to $17 by January 1, 2027, affecting approximately 50,000 workers statewide. The increase will occur in two phases, with the wage reaching $16 on January 1, 2026. This law, enacted by Governor Dan McKee, excludes tipped workers, who currently earn a lower minimum wage. As of January 2025, the minimum wage stands at $15 per hour, following a previous increase initiated in 2021 when it was raised from $11. 50.

The recent adjustments aim to provide better financial support for low-income residents in Rhode Island. The tipped minimum wage is set at $11. 11 in 2025 and will rise to $12. 11 in 2026. The absence of a schedule for automatic raises beyond 2027 raises questions about future wage policies.

This update reflects ongoing efforts to address economic disparities among workers in the state.