Living Wage Overview

The Living Wage Law

LIVING WAGE INFORMATION POSTER (August 1, 2023 to July 31, 2024)

LIVING WAGE INFORMATION POSTER IN SPANISH (Agosto 1, 2023 to Julio 31, 2024)

The Nassau County Living Wage Law took effect on January 1, 2007.  The Law establishes a Living Wage for employees of companies that Nassau County does with business and provides for a health benefits supplement for employees not receiving such benefits.  It also set forth that full-time employees should receive 12 paid days off a year.

To Report Violations of the Living Wage Law

Anyone who believes they have information about a County contractor violating the Living Wage Law can call a dedicated hotline in the Comptroller’s Office. The hotline 516-571-WAGE will connect callers directly with staff in the Comptroller’s Office during business hours. Callers will also be able to make inquiries about the Living Wage Law, such as how to find out if their job is covered. 

The Current Living Wage

As of August 1, 2023 the Living Wage is $16.12 an hour. The Living Wage rate will stay in effect until July 31, 2024, when it will be adjusted upward by a percentage equal to the change in the New York Metropolitan Area All Urban Index (NY CPI-U) as promulgated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor (CPI) for the period of June of the preceding year to June of the current year. In no event shall such wage increase be greater than three and one-half percent.

Health Benefits Supplement

Covered employees are entitled to receive either health benefits or a health benefit supplement of $2.53 per hour.

Paid Days Off

Covered full-time employees are entitled to 12 paid days off per year for sick leave, vacation or personal necessity, which may include paid holidays. Part-time employees working 20 hours or more per week also receive compensated days off on a pro rata basis up to a maximum of 12 days including paid holidays. The Law does not require compensated days off for employees working less than 20 hours per week.

Waivers

Section 9 of the Living Wage Law permits firms that meet certain criteria to apply for waivers from Living Wage Law. The county has received a request for a waiver from the requirements of the Living Wage Law from:

Brownfield Redevelopment Solutions, Inc. (11/8/23)

Helpful Resources