Connecticut HR laws for employers (2026)
The Connecticut rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
Connecticut employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $16.94 per hour |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $6.38 per hour |
| Overtime | No daily overtime; 1.5x pay after 40 hours in a week. Restaurant and hotel restaurant workers get premium pay for a 7th consecutive day of work. |
| Final pay when fired | By the next business day after discharge. |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday. |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | Required only if the employer's policy or a collective bargaining agreement provides for payout of accrued vacation and other leave at termination. |
| Paid sick leave | Yes: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year (up to 40 unused hours carry over). Covers employers with 11+ CT employees in 2026, expanding to all employers (1+) on January 1, 2027. |
| Meal breaks | 30-minute meal period for employees working 7.5 or more consecutive hours, after the first 2 hours and before the last 2 hours. |
| Rest breaks | No state requirement. |
Minimum wage note: Rises to $17.48 on January 1, 2027 (announced by the Governor on August 5, 2026). No local minimum wages.
Other Connecticut rules to know
- From October 1, 2026, all employers must include the wage or wage range and a general description of benefits in job postings (Public Act 26-12).
- Employers must give applicants the wage range on request or before an offer, and employees on hire, position change, or request.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Connecticut in 2026?
$16.94 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Rises to $17.48 on January 1, 2027 (announced by the Governor on August 5, 2026). No local minimum wages.
When is a final paycheck due in Connecticut?
If the employer ends employment: By the next business day after discharge. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday.
Does Connecticut require paying out unused vacation?
Required only if the employer's policy or a collective bargaining agreement provides for payout of accrued vacation and other leave at termination.
Is paid sick leave required in Connecticut?
Yes: 1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year (up to 40 unused hours carry over). Covers employers with 11+ CT employees in 2026, expanding to all employers (1+) on January 1, 2027.
Sources
- CT Governor - 2027 minimum wage announcement
- CT DOL - Paid Sick Leave FAQs
- CT DOL - DOL-74 Wage Payment Laws (sec. 31-71c, 31-76k)
- US DOL - State Minimum Wage Laws
- US DOL - Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees
- US DOL - Meal Periods table
- Littler - Public Act No. 26-12 highlights (secondary)
- Barclay Damon - Connecticut pay transparency law (secondary)
HR laws in other states
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.