labor lawAdivision of labor law center

The Connecticut minimum wage went up from $7.65 an hour to $8.00 an hour on January 1, 2009. That represents a hike of 35 cents per hour.

In Connecticut, the minimum wage is not linked to increases in the cost of living, as it is in some other states. Instead, it is voted as part of state law.

Some of the states where the minimum wage follows the inflation rate are Washington, Oregon, Vermont, and Florida.  By contrast, New Mexico, like Connecticut, increases its minimum wage rate by statute. In New Mexico, the state minimum wage increased from $6.50 to $7.50 an hour on January 1, 2009, a hike of $1 per hour – by far the highest of the new year.

As in many other states, administrative, executive, and professional employees are exempt under the Connecticut state overtime and minimum wage laws. The relevant law in this case is Section 31-60-14,15,16 of the Administrative Regulations.

There is also an exception under the Connecticut minimum wage for minors working in agriculture or government. They are entitled to a reduced minimum wage that amounts to $6.80 per hour. In other words, they are only entitled to 85% of the state’s minimum wage. Minors working (more…)