While the minimum wage in Texas will remain the same in 2016, those Texas companies that have employees in other states, need to be aware of the following minimum wage (and overtime) increases.* Given the recent increase in unpaid overtime lawsuits around the country, companies should be extremely vigilant in ensuring that their employees get paid a proper minimum wage and overtime.
Alaska – Minimum wage increases from $8.75 to $9.75 an hour. Minimum weekly salary for bona fide executive, professional, and administrative employees will increase from $700 to $780 per week (i.e., two times state minimum wage for the first 40 hours of employment).
Arkansas – Minimum wage increases from $7.50 to $8.00 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees remains $2.63.
California – Minimum wage increases from $9.00 to $10.00 an hour. Minimum annual salary for bona fide executive, professional, and administrative employees will increase from $37,440 to $41,600 (i.e., two times state minimum wage for the first 40 hours of employment each week).
Colorado – Minimum wage increases from $8.23 to $8.31 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $5.21 to $5.29 an hour.
Connecticut – Minimum wage increases from $9.15 to $9.60 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped bartenders increases from $7.46 to $7.82 an hour and minimum wage for hotel and restaurant tipped employees other than bartenders increases from $5.78 to $6.07 an hour.
Hawaii – Minimum wage increases from $7.75 to $8.50 an hour. Adjusted minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $7.25 to $7.75 an hour, provided that when tips are added to the wages paid by the employer, the total amount is no less than $15.50 per hour.
Massachusetts – Minimum wage increases from $9.00 to $10.00 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $3.00 to $3.35 an hour.
Michigan – Minimum wage increases from $8.15 to $8.50 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $3.10 to $3.23 an hour.
Nebraska – Minimum wage increases from $8.00 to $9.00 an hour.
New York – Minimum wage increases from $8.75 to $9.00 an hour. Subject to caveats outside the hospitality industry, the minimum wage for all tipped employees will increase to $7.50 an hour. The minimum weekly salary for bona fide executive and administrative employees will increase from $656.25 to $675 per week.
Rhode Island – Minimum wage increases from $9.00 to $9.60 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $2.89 to $3.39 an hour.
South Dakota – Minimum wage increases from $8.50 to $8.55 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $4.25 to $4.28 an hour.
Vermont – Minimum wage increases from $9.15 to $9.60 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $4.58 to $4.80 an hour.
West Virginia – Minimum wage increases from $8.00 to $8.75 an hour. Minimum wage for tipped employees increases from $2.40 to $2.62 an hour.
* This is not a complete list of all geographic areas around the country that increased the minimum wage floor in 2016. Please consult with an attorney regarding specific locations outside of Texas where your company has employees to determine whether their compensation complies with all the applicable state and local laws.