Connecticut’s minimum wage laws set a statewide hourly rate that most employers must pay, and the law requires this rate to increase on a regular schedule set by the legislature. These rules come from the state’s wage and hour statutes and apply to most workers across the state.
Our Hartford wage theft and overtime pay dispute lawyer will explain how these laws apply to your job, review your pay for errors, and guide you if your employer is not following the law. We will also explain how overtime, tipped wages, training wages, and job classifications work, since these issues can affect your final pay.
Many workers are unsure what counts as paid time or whether certain tasks should be included in their hours. We will explain these details in plain language so that you feel confident about your rights and know what steps to take if your employer is not paying you fairly.
How Our Connecticut Wage Lawyer Can Support You
Workers often reach out when something feels off with their pay. Maybe your paycheck looks too low, or you are not sure if your employer is counting your hours correctly.
A Hartford labor and employment lawyer from our team will:
- Explain the state’s wage rules in simple terms.
- Review pay stubs, schedules, and time records.
- Look for underpayment or missing wages.
- Challenge your employer if they are ignoring the law.
- Represent you if you are being treated unfairly at work.
Getting legal help can make it easier to understand what your employer owes you and what steps you can take to protect your rights.
For a free legal consultation, call (860) 999-9394
Connecticut’s Minimum Wage: Understanding the Basics
Connecticut’s minimum wage is set by state law. The minimum wage increases over time based on schedules set by the legislature. These laws exist to make sure workers earn a fair hourly rate.
Key points to know:
- Connecticut has one of the highest minimum wages in the country.
- The state raises wages on a set schedule and may adjust them again with new laws.
- Employers must follow the state minimum, even if federal rules are lower.
Working people should be paid for every hour they work. This includes time spent preparing, cleaning up, or performing other tasks the employer requires.
Are There Any Workers Who Earn a Different Minimum Wage?
Most workers must receive the full state minimum wage. Still, a few exceptions appear in the law:
Tipped Workers
Some service workers who earn tips—such as servers—may be paid a lower base wage. Their tips must bring them up to the full minimum wage each hour. If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference. This comes from Connecticut General Statutes § 31-60.
Learners or Minors
In limited cases, minors in certain training roles may earn a different rate for a short time, but the rules are strict. Employers cannot use “training” as a way to pay someone less over the long term.
Certain Government Programs or Special Certificates
Some special jobs tied to state programs may follow different rules, but this applies only in rare situations.
If you think your employer placed you in the wrong category to pay you less, a lawyer from our firm will review your situation and advise you on the next steps.
What Counts as Overtime Under Connecticut Law?
Minimum wage and overtime rules often go hand in hand. Under Connecticut law, many workers must receive time–and–a–half for every hour over 40 they work in a week.
A few jobs fall under different overtime rules, but most hourly employees qualify.
Common problems involving overtime on the job include:
- Not counting all hours worked.
- Making someone work “off the clock.”
- Misclassifying a worker as salaried to avoid overtime.
- Changing job titles without changing duties.
Even if your title says “manager,” you still might qualify for overtime depending on your actual tasks.
Click to contact our labor & employment lawyers today
How Employers Sometimes Violate Connecticut’s Minimum Wage Laws
Even though many employers follow the law, wage violations still happen. Some examples include:
Not Paying the Correct Minimum Wage
If your rate never went up when the state minimum wage increased, that may be a violation.
Paying a Tipped Wage Incorrectly
Servers or bartenders sometimes receive a tipped rate even when their job includes non-tipped tasks, like cleaning or stocking. If too many hours fall into these tasks, a higher rate may be required.
Incorrect Timekeeping
If your employer cuts your hours, refuses to count prep time, or asks you to clock out early but stay to finish tasks, you may be losing wages.
Misclassifying Employees
Some employers label workers as “independent contractors” even though they work like regular employees. Misclassification can hide wage violations.
Our attorney will review your situation and explain where the line is and how to correct a misclassification.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Common Questions About Connecticut’s Minimum Wage Laws
If you’re unsure how Connecticut’s minimum wage laws affect your pay, you’re not alone. Many workers have the same questions. The questions and answers below can help you understand your rights and what to expect from your employer.
Do Federal and State Minimum Wage Laws Both Apply?
Both exist, but workers receive whichever wage is higher. Connecticut’s wage is higher than the federal rate, so the state rule controls most of the time.
Can My Employer Pay Me Less If Business Is Slow?
No. Employers must pay at least the state minimum wage for every hour worked, even when the workplace is slow.
Do I Still Have Rights If My Employer Pays Me in Cash?
Yes. Cash pay does not remove your right to earn minimum wage or overtime. Employers in Connecticut must still follow the law and keep accurate records.
Can I Be Fired for Asking Why My Pay Is Low?
It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against a worker for raising concerns about pay. This includes punishment, firing, or cutting hours after you ask questions. If you believe your employer fired you unfairly, our Hartford workplace retaliation lawyer will explain your options and how we can help.
Take These Steps If You Think You Were Paid Below the Minimum Wage
If something seems wrong with your pay, you can start with a few simple steps:
- Save your pay records: Keep pay stubs, work schedules, text messages, or anything that shows your hours.
- Write down what happened: Note the date, time, and situation when you believe wages were incorrect.
- Speak with a lawyer early: A lawyer can help you understand the problem and decide what to do about unpaid wages.
- Do not ignore missing pay: Wage claims in Connecticut have time limits. The sooner you get help, the easier it is to protect your right to recover unpaid wages.
Have Questions About the Minimum Wage Laws in Connecticut? Call Us for Help Today
If you are facing wage problems or trying to understand your rights, you can talk with a lawyer who handles issues tied to minimum wage laws in Connecticut. Duddy, Goodwin & Pollard brings a clear, steady approach to labor and employment cases.
Our firm holds corporations accountable and takes on workplace cases with a strong social-justice drive. We also handle employment matters on contingency, so our clients do not pay unless we recover damages in their case.
If your employer is ignoring the law or you think you are being underpaid, reach out today for a free consultation to learn how our employment lawyer can lead your fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Call or text (860) 999-9394 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form