Rhode Island minimum wage to increase to $17/hour by 2027

Starting January 1, 2026, Rhode Island’s minimum wage will rise to $16 an hour as part of a planned increase that will eventually bring it to $17 by 2027.

Governor Dan McKee officially signed the legislation on August 4, continuing the state’s effort to raise wages for low-income workers. The law builds on a previous 2021 bill that steadily raised the minimum wage from $11.50 to $15 by 2025.

While there is no increase scheduled beyond 2027, future hikes will require new legislation.

Roughly 50,000 Rhode Islanders currently earn minimum wage, according to the governor’s office. This increase applies to most hourly workers except those who earn tips.

Do you think this is enough, or should Rhode Island tie minimum wage to inflation moving forward?