Vermont minimum wage 2026–2027: $14.42 now, new rate pending on January 1, 2027
Vermont's minimum wage is $14.42 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $7.17 more than the federal $7.25. The rate changes again on January 1, 2027; the amount is not announced yet (the 2026 rate was announced on October 6, 2025). Annual CPI adjustment.
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Vermont minimum wage pay calculator
Vermont minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $14.42 | January 1, 2026 | official |
| Next adjustment | TBA | January 1, 2027 | agency |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $7.21 | now | official |
When does the Vermont minimum wage go up?
The rate changes again on January 1, 2027; the amount is not announced yet (the 2026 rate was announced on October 6, 2025). Annual CPI adjustment. Adjusted each January 1 by the CPI (capped at 5%).
Tipped workers in Vermont
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $7.21 an hour and count up to 50% of the minimum wage ($7.21) of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $14.42 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
Who is covered, and who can be paid less
Employers with 2 or more employees. Vermont publishes no separate youth rate; the federal law allows $4.25 for workers under 20 in their first 90 days only where the state rate does not apply. Jobs covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act never get less than $7.25.
Vermont minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the Vermont minimum wage was $10.96; today it is $14.42 – up $3.46, or 31.6%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $10.96 | $11.75 | $12.55 | $13.18 | $13.67 | $14.01 | $14.42 |
How Vermont compares
Vermont ranks 20th of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; Vermont's $14.42 is $2.89 above it. Neighbors: Massachusetts $15.00, New Hampshire $7.25, New York $16.00–$17.00.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime: Over 40 hours a week, at one and a half times the regular rate. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $576.80; with 5 overtime hours it is $684.95.
Good to know
- The tipped wage is 50% of the full minimum wage: $7.21 in 2026 (Vermont DOL).
Where to get help
The minimum wage in Vermont is enforced by the Vermont Department of Labor; wage claims: labor.vermont.gov. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints in every state at 1-866-487-9243, and your name is kept confidential.
Vermont minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in Vermont right now?
$14.42 an hour for most adult workers. Vermont's minimum wage is $14.42 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $7.17 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the Vermont minimum wage be in 2027?
Vermont adjusts its rate every year, but the 2027 figure has not been published yet. Expected: the 2026 rate was announced on October 6, 2025.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Vermont?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $7.21 an hour and count up to 50% of the minimum wage ($7.21) of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $14.42 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
How much is the Vermont minimum wage per year?
At $14.42 an hour and 40 hours a week, $576.80 a week, about $2,499 a month and $29,994 a year before taxes.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in Vermont?
With the Vermont Department of Labor – or with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243). Keep your pay stubs and a record of your hours.
Other states
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – State Minimum Wage Laws, Consolidated Minimum Wage Table and Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026 editions), the DOL's history table, and each state's and city's own labor department pages, linked on every state page. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates are for most adult, non-exempt workers; some jobs, industries and employers are exempt or have other rates. This is general information, not legal advice – the state labor department has the final word.