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New York Employment Law Compliance Guide for Small Businesses
Very High Complexity
New York has extensive and complex employment laws that vary by region (NYC, Long Island/Westchester, and rest of state). Requirements include mandatory anti-harassment training (all employers), pay transparency in job postings, paid sick leave, paid family leave, predictive scheduling (NYC fast food and retail), and tip credit rules that vary by region. NYC has additional protections including restrictions on AI in hiring, salary history ban, and protections based on height, weight, and caregiver status.
Key Numbers
TIPPED WAGE
Varies by region
Compliance Requirements
⚠Pay Transparency Required
Salary ranges must be included in job postings, including internal promotions. Non-compliance triggers fines and private lawsuits.
⚠Paid Leave Mandatory
Employers must provide paid sick leave (and potentially paid family/medical leave). You must track accrual, provide notice, and display updated workplace posters.
⚠Predictive Scheduling Law
Covered employers in retail, food service, and hospitality must provide 14-day advance schedule notice. Changes within the window trigger premium pay.
★Tip Credit: Varies by region
Employers may pay tipped employees a reduced cash wage if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage.
Federal Thresholds That Apply in New York
These federal requirements apply to all New York employers based on headcount:
1+ employees: FLSA (wage and hour), IRCA (I-9 verification), EPPA (polygraph), USERRA (military leave)
15+ employees: Title VII (discrimination), ADA (disability), GINA (genetic information), Pregnant Workers Fairness Act
20+ employees: ADEA (age discrimination), COBRA (health continuation)
50+ employees: FMLA (12 weeks unpaid leave), ACA (affordable health coverage or $2,880/employee penalty), EEO-1 reporting
100+ employees: WARN Act (60-day notice for mass layoffs)
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employment laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your business. Last updated March 2026.