Rhode Island sets the minimum wage statewide under General Laws 28-12, rising from $14 toward $15 plus, and preempts city wage floors. Providence cannot adopt a separate higher minimum wage.
Rhode Island General Laws title 28 chapter 12 sets the statewide minimum wage and preempts municipal wage laws, so Providence employers follow whatever rate the General Assembly has set for the calendar year. The state has been stepping the rate up to $15 and beyond, with separate tipped, agricultural, and youth subminimums. Providence enforces wage theft through the Department of Labor and Training and the Attorney General. The city can encourage living-wage policies through its own contracts but cannot apply them broadly to private employers.
Paying below the current Rhode Island minimum exposes employers to wage-and-hour claims, treble damages, and Department of Labor and Training enforcement actions.
See how Providence's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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