Rhode Island · Checked October 25, 2026
Rhode Island minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The Rhode Island minimum wage is $16.00 an hour. Next: $17.00 from January 1, 2027.
Minimum wage
Rhode Island: $16.00 an hour.
Coming up: $17.00 on January 1, 2027.
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: $3.89. Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek, the federal rule. Rhode Island does not add a daily overtime rule.
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | Next scheduled payday (24 hours if due to a merger, relocation or closing) |
|---|---|
| Quits | Next scheduled payday |
| Law | R.I. Gen. Laws 28-14-4 |
Take-home pay in Rhode Island
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and Rhode Island taxes with the Rhode Island paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- Rhode Island minimum wage law passed August 2025 (reported by Jibble, Aug 19, 2025)
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Rhode Island?
$16.00 an hour as of October 25, 2026.
Is the Rhode Island minimum wage going up in 2027?
$17.00 on January 1, 2027.
When is a final paycheck due in Rhode Island?
If fired or laid off: next scheduled payday (24 hours if due to a merger, relocation or closing). If the employee quits: next scheduled payday.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.