Nassau County may not set a local minimum wage above the state floor; New York preempts the field. The downstate minimum wage applicable in Nassau is $16.50 as of 2025, indexed annually under NY Labor Law §651.
New York State sets a uniform minimum wage that preempts local ordinances. Nassau County, as part of the downstate tier with NYC and Westchester, has a minimum wage of $16.50 per hour effective in 2025, with annual indexed increases tied to inflation under NY Labor Law §651. Tipped workers in food service have a tip-credit allowing a lower cash wage if tips bring total compensation up to the minimum. The NY Department of Labor enforces wage standards. Nassau County itself has no authority to raise the minimum wage; any local effort would be preempted. The state legislature is the only body that can change the rate.
Paying below the state minimum, misclassifying employees as independent contractors, or failing to make up tip-credit shortfalls can result in back-wages, liquidated damages of 100% of unpaid wages, and civil penalties.
See how Nassau County's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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