Tompkins County Considers Raising Minimum Wage Above New York State Level

County study examines impact of higher minimum wage as living costs surge

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:19am

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A vibrant abstract illustration using bold geometric shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the economic challenges of rising costs and stagnant wages facing Tompkins County.As living costs surge in Tompkins County, local leaders consider raising the minimum wage to meet the real needs of workers.NYC Today

Tompkins County, New York is conducting a study to determine whether to establish a local minimum wage that exceeds the current New York state rate of $16 per hour. The study, commissioned by the county legislature, will examine how a higher minimum wage would impact workers, employers, and different industries across the county.

Why it matters

The study was prompted by a 2025 Living Wage Study that found about half of wage earners in Tompkins County earn less than the county's living wage, which has increased 34.5% since 2023 while the state minimum wage has only risen 9.2% in that time period. Aligning wages with the real cost of living is seen as a way to support local businesses and protect the middle class in the community.

The details

The study, which provides up to $50,000 for research, public discussions, and a final report with policy recommendations, is due to be completed by December 31. Five community discussions are being held in April and another three are scheduled for May before the final report is presented in August. Factors being considered include the state's current minimum wage structure, which will start linking increases to inflation next year.

  • The state's minimum wage started an incremental march toward $15 an hour in 2016.
  • By 2024, employers across New York were required to hit the $15 threshold, while New York City, Westchester County and Long Island hit $16 an hour.
  • Fifty-cent increases in both 2025 and 2026 brought the state to its current rates of $17 downstate and $16 upstate.
  • Starting next year, minimum wage increases will be linked to inflation — specifically, the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Northeast Region.
  • As of right now, all other counties in the state will align their minimum wage rate with inflation changes beginning in 2027.

The players

Tompkins County

A county in upstate New York that is conducting a study to determine whether to establish a local minimum wage higher than the state's rate.

Anna Kelles

A Democratic Assembly member who represents Tompkins County and stated that wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of living, and that aligning wages with the real cost of living is a practical step to support local businesses and protect the middle class.

Cornell ILR Ithaca Co-Lab

A research organization that was contracted by Tompkins County to conduct a 2025 Living Wage Study, which found that about half of wage earners in the county earn less than the county's living wage.

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What they’re saying

“Wages have not kept pace with the rising cost of housing and basic needs, and the gap is growing.”

— Anna Kelles, Assembly member

“At a certain point, an economy that relies on people working full-time without being able to meet basic needs is not sustainable. Aligning wages with the real cost of living is a practical step to close that gap, support local businesses and protect the middle class that underpins a stable community.”

— Anna Kelles, Assembly member

What’s next

The final report with policy recommendations from the Tompkins County minimum wage study is scheduled to be presented in August.

The takeaway

This study highlights the growing disconnect between wages and the cost of living in Tompkins County, and the potential need for local action to raise the minimum wage and support the middle class in the community.