Connecticut News: Minimum Wage Will Rise to $17.48 in 2027

Connecticut's minimum wage will increase from $16.94 to $17.48 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Gov. Ned Lamont announced last week. ​

The increase is required under a 2019 state law that ties Connecticut's minimum wage to changes in the federal employment cost index. Under the law, the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Labor calculates the percentage change in the index for the 12-month period ending June 30 and must announce any adjustment by Oct. 15 each year. Adjustments take effect the following Jan. 1. 

Connecticut Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo reported that the employment cost index rose 3.2% over the 12 months ending June 30, 2026, resulting in a 54-cent increase to the minimum wage. 

Lamont said the law is designed to ensure wages keep pace as the economy grows, adding that too many low-wage workers have not shared in that growth. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said the annual adjustment allows the state's minimum wage to respond to economic conditions while keeping it among the highest in the country. 

HCAOA Connecticut Chapter Chair Marlene Chickerella of B&M Homemaking in West Haven said the chapter supports fair wages for caregivers but cautioned that the increase adds pressure to small home care businesses already managing rising labor costs. She said the chapter's Medicaid committee, led by Mario D'Aquila, is developing a strategy ahead of the 2027 budget session to push for Medicaid reimbursement rates that keep pace with wage growth and inflation. 
​
HCAOA Connecticut plans to make member engagement a priority as it builds its case with state legislators for a Medicaid rate increase to offset the added labor costs. ​