Rhode Islandβs minimum wage will be $7.75 an hour, an increase of 35 cents over the current rate, beginning January 1, 2013. The legislation (2012-H 7396A) was signed by Governor Lincoln Chafee on June 20, 2012. This will be the first minimum wage hike in the Ocean State since 2007. Approximately 10,000 people make the minimum wage in Rhode Island, according to state labor numbers.