New York�s minimum wage will increase to $8 an hour at the end of this year, 75 cents higher than the federal minimum and the old state rate.

It�s the first of three incremental boosts approved by the Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo when they approved the state budget last March.

The minimum for most workers will increase to $8.75 an hour a year later and to $9 an hour a year after that.

However, the minimums for workers in the restaurant and hospitality industry who get tips may remain $5 an hour, with employers able to raise the maximum tip credits to $3 an hour the first year, $3.75 the second and $4 after that for service workers whose combined tips and wages meet or exceed the new higher minimums.

(AP)