Minimum Wage on the Rise in Rhode Island

In early August 2017, the Governor of Rhode Island signed a state budget that includes a minimum wage increase over the next two years. The first increase will take effect January 1, 2018, followed by another increase in 2019.

Several minimum wage bills were introduced in 2017, some of which outlined higher minimum wage rates than what was approved in the state budget, as well as future increases based on inflation. However, none of these bills made it out of committee.

What Employers and Employees Need to Know

The minimum wage rates approved in the Rhode Island state budget are as follows:

  • On January 1, 2018, the minimum wage will increase from $9.60 per hour to $10.10 per hour.
  • On January 1, 2019, the minimum wage will increase to $10.50 per hour.

Employers should be aware that the tipped wage is not going to increase. The current tipped wage of $3.89 will remain in effect.

How to Stay in Compliance

If you order our OneSystem 1-Year Compliance Plan, you will automatically receive the updated Rhode Island poster as soon as it becomes available. And because we provide free poster updates for mandatory changes, no matter how many occur during the year, you can count on us to keep you in compliance!