Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Tuesday that the city’s emergency snow‑shoveling workers will receive a base wage of $30 an hour for the upcoming 2026‑2027 winter season. The new rate marks a 57 percent rise from the pay level that workers earned before the change.
The mayor’s decision applies to all temporary employees hired to clear streets, sidewalks and other public right‑of‑way during snow events. Under the new policy, the $30 figure will be the starting pay for anyone entering the program, regardless of prior experience or the length of a particular shift.
In addition to the wage boost, the administration said it will overhaul the way the city recruits and compensates its snow‑shoveling staff. Officials plan to streamline the hiring process, introduce a centralized online portal for applications and implement a standardized payroll system that will track hours more accurately and ensure timely payment.
The $30 rate was first introduced as a short‑term measure during the February blizzard that hit the city earlier this year. At that time, the increase was granted only for the duration of the storm response. Mayor Mamdani’s announcement makes the temporary hike permanent for the entire winter season, establishing it as the baseline wage for all emergency snow‑shoveling contracts.
City leaders said the changes are intended to improve recruitment, retain experienced workers and provide fair compensation for the physically demanding work required during severe winter weather. The new wage structure will take effect at the start of the first snowfall of the 2026‑2027 season and will remain in place for the duration of that winter.