Rhode Island Minimum Wage
The minimum wage in Rhode Island is $16.00 an hour, which is $8.75 above the federal minimum of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns about $33,280 a year before tax.
Rhode Island minimum wage at a glance
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly minimum | $16.00 |
| Overtime (1.5x) | $24.00 |
| Weekly (40 hours) | $640.00 |
| Biweekly | $1,280.00 |
| Monthly | $2,773.33 |
| Yearly (2,080 hours) | $33,280 |
| Rank among 51 areas | #6 highest |
Who is covered
Most employees in Rhode Island are covered by the minimum wage. Where the state and federal rates differ, the higher one applies. Tipped workers, young workers and some farm or seasonal jobs may have different rules. Federal law sets a tipped base wage of $2.13 with tips making up the difference to the full minimum, and some states require more.
Take-home at minimum wage
A single full-time worker at the minimum wage keeps about $27,423 a year after taxes ($1,054.73 every two weeks). See the paycheck calculator for this state.
How it compares
The average state minimum wage is about $11.47 an hour. These states sit closest to the rate here:
| State | Per hour | Per year (full time) |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $15.15 | $31,512 |
| Colorado | $15.16 | $31,533 |
| New Jersey | $15.92 | $33,114 |
| Rhode Island | $16.00 | $33,280 |
| California | $16.90 | $35,152 |
| Connecticut | $16.94 | $35,235 |
| New York | $17.00 | $35,360 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Rhode Island?
$16.00 an hour.
How much is minimum wage per year in Rhode Island?
About $33,280 a year for 40 hours a week.
Do cities in Rhode Island have a higher minimum wage?
Some do. Check your city or county labor office, because local rates can be above the state figure.
Sources and method
- U.S. Department of Labor: state minimum wage laws
- Official Rhode Island labor department: search "Rhode Island minimum wage" and confirm the current rate
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.