New York onboarding checklist for employers
An onboarding checklist makes sure every new hire gets the same paperwork, notices and training. Here is what changes when the employee works in New York.
New York rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $16.00 per hour |
|---|---|
| Paid sick leave | Yes: 1 hour per 30 hours worked; up to 40 hours paid per year for employers with 5-99 employees, 56 hours paid for 100+ employees; employers with 0-4 employees give 40 hours (unpaid unless net income exceeds $1 million). Separate 20 hours of paid prenatal leave per year since Jan 1, 2025. |
| Meal breaks | Yes: shifts over 6 hours spanning 11 a.m.-2 p.m. get a 30-minute noonday meal period (60 minutes in factories); extra 20 minutes between 5-7 p.m. for long shifts; shifts starting between 1 p.m. and 6 a.m. get a 45-minute (60 in factories) midway meal period. |
| Rest breaks | No state rest break requirement (separate 24-hour weekly rest day rule applies in certain industries). |
| Other rules to know | Pay transparency: employers with 4+ employees must include a good-faith pay range in job postings, promotions and transfers. New York Paid Family Leave and disability insurance cover most private-sector employees. Verify |
What to include
- Form I-9 completed by the end of the employee's third day of work
- Federal W-4 and the state withholding form, if the state has one
- Report the new hire to the state new-hire registry
- Required state and federal workplace posters and written notices
- Paid sick leave, break and overtime rules explained in plain terms
- Handbook acknowledgment signed and filed
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official New York onboarding checklist form?
New York does not publish one required onboarding checklist for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the New York rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in New York in 2026?
$16.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. $17.00/hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester; $16.00/hour in the rest of the state (effective Jan 1, 2026). The state announced rates will NOT change on Jan 1, 2027 because a statutory 'off-ramp' was triggered; the Governor has proposed a change that could allow an increase on March 1, 2027 if the Legislature approves. Home care aides have a separate, higher minimum.
Is paid sick leave required in New York?
Yes: 1 hour per 30 hours worked; up to 40 hours paid per year for employers with 5-99 employees, 56 hours paid for 100+ employees; employers with 0-4 employees give 40 hours (unpaid unless net income exceeds $1 million). Separate 20 hours of paid prenatal leave per year since Jan 1, 2025.
Other New York forms
Onboarding Checklist by state
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.