Minimum Wage in Rhode Island
Rhode Island (RI) · Minimum wage · Last reviewed June 2026
Rhode Island minimum
$15.00 / hr
Federal floor
$7.25 / hour
As of
January 2026
Federal vs. state minimum wage
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and has been since July 2009. When a state (or city) sets a higher minimum, the higher rate is what employers must pay. When the state rate is lower or nonexistent, the federal $7.25 applies to employees covered by the FLSA.
As of January 2026, the Rhode Island (RI) minimum wage is about $15.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Rates are revisited regularly (often each January), so confirm the current figure with the official source below before you run payroll.
Most Rhode Island employers follow the state rate, but always confirm whether any local ordinance sets a higher minimum where you operate.
Tipped employees
Tipped workers can be paid a lower cash wage as long as tips bring them up to at least the full applicable minimum wage. The federal tipped cash wage is $2.13 per hour, but many states require a higher tipped wage — and a few require the full minimum with no tip credit. Rhode Island employers should verify the tipped rules that apply locally.
Staying compliant
Because minimum-wage rates change and can differ by city, the safest approach is to check the official rate at the start of each year and whenever you hire in a new locality. Keep accurate time records so you can always show that pay met or exceeded the minimum for every hour worked.
Official sources
More Rhode Island guides
Minimum wage in other states
Rhode Island minimum wage: frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Rhode Island?
As of January 2026, the minimum wage in Rhode Island is about $15.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Confirm the current figure before running payroll, as rates change.
Can Rhode Island employers pay tipped workers a lower wage?
Yes — a lower cash wage is allowed as long as tips bring the employee up to the full applicable minimum wage. Some states require a higher tipped cash wage.
Track Rhode Island hours the easy way
Kloqk is a free time clock that handles overtime, breaks, and payroll-ready reports.
Start free