NYS minimum wage increases to $9.70 an hour

Minimum wage in upstate New York has officially increased to $9.70 an hour. The increase comes as some New York State lawmakers continue to push for a slowly phased-in $15 an hour minimum wage. If the increases continue as planned, Upstate New York minimum wage will be $12.50 an hour by the end of 2020. At that time, State officials will reconvene on the topic. Other portions of the state are moving to that $15 an hour mark at a slightly faster pace.