About

The Living Wage Commission is a volunteer commission created by the City of Buffalo in 2003 to monitor and enforce the City’s Living Wage Ordinance.

Buffalo’s Living Wage Ordinance was passed unanimously in 1999 and amended in 2002, 2007, and 2017. It provides that certain workers must be paid a living wage. For July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, the rate is $17.93 per hour. From July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, the rate will be $18.62 per hour.

An employer may take a tip credit if a worker’s total tips plus wages equals or exceeds the living wage rate.

The Ordinance applies to all City employees. It also applies to employees working under contracts with the City when the contract is for more than $50,000 and the employer has more than ten employees. Subcontractors are covered as well.

You can find more information, including forms, FAQs, and links to other living wage ordinances from around the country on this website.

You can reach the Living Wage Commission at:

Phone: 716-852-4196
Email: lwcbuffalo@gmail.com
Address: Cornell University ILR School, 617 Main St., Suite 300, Buffalo, NY 14203