Minimum Wage Increase for Non-Represented Hourly and Student Employees

This year's increase from $15.00 to $15.50 per hour will be effective December 19, 2024 for State employees and January 1, 2025 for Research Foundation (RF) employees.

University at Buffalo student assistants and college work-study students are eligible to receive the wage increase.

Departments will fund these routine increases. For example, a student works 20 hours per week earning $15.00 per hour and is paid a gross salary of $300.00. After the increase to $15.50, the student will now earn $310.00 for an increase of $10.00 to your payroll expenses.

State-funded increases are processed internally and no action by the campus is required. If departments wish to increase the rate for those students who are earning a rate over the new stated minimum of $15.50, an ePTF may be processed.

Increases using UBF funds are processed by department request. If a student is earning a rate below minimum wage, departments are required to submit an ePTF to the UBF payroll office.

The Research Foundation will be following the New York state mandated increase to the minimum wage. Any employee currently below the new hourly minimum of $15.50/hour will be automatically increased to meet this new hourly rate effective 1/01/2025. Research Foundation HR staff will process the adjustment internally and no action will be required by departments.

Although the State University of New York is not statutorily required to follow the Minimum Wage Guidelines set forth by section 652 of New York State Labor Law, it has consistently adopted such guidelines as a floor for payment of its non-represented hourly employees.

SUNY recognizes the value of the contributions made by its non-represented employees and students and joins in moving to ensure that they are paid a wage reflective of the significant contributions they make to their campus communities and local economies.