Minimum Wage Preemption: Hartford vs New Britain
How do minimum wage preemption rules compare between Hartford, CT and New Britain, CT?
Hartford and New Britain have similar restriction levels.
Hartford, CT
Hartford County
Hartford employers must pay at least the Connecticut statewide minimum wage of $16.35 per hour set by Connecticut General Statutes section 31-58, which preempts any separate municipal minimum wage in Hartford.
View full Hartford rules →New Britain, CT
Hartford County
Connecticut establishes a uniform minimum wage statewide under CGS Section 31-58, with scheduled increases preempting separate municipal wage laws.
View full New Britain rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hartford | New Britain |
|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $16.35 per hour | - |
| Statute | CGS 31-58 | - |
| Tipped statute | CGS 31-60 | - |
| Enforcer | CT Department of Labor | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hartford FAQ
Can Hartford set a higher minimum wage?
Not for private employers citywide. Connecticut state law preempts municipal minimum wages. Hartford can require higher pay only for city employees and city service contractors via the Living Wage Ordinance.
What about tipped restaurant workers?
Connecticut General Statutes section 31-60 allows a lower direct cash wage for tipped staff if tips plus direct pay equal or exceed the $16.35 hourly minimum each pay period.
New Britain FAQ
Compare other topics
See how Hartford and New Britain compare on other ordinance categories.
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