SingleMothers.us
Flexible jobs for single mothers in New York
New York has some of the strongest protections for working parents in the country, from Paid Family Leave to pay ranges in job ads.
Pay in New York
New York’s minimum wage in 2026 is $17.00 an hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester, and $16.00 in the rest of the state. The Department of Labor has said the rates will stay the same on January 1, 2027.
Since September 17, 2023, employers with four or more employees must list a good-faith pay range, and the job description if there is one, for jobs, promotions and transfers done at least partly in New York, under Labor Law section 194-b. New York City has required pay ranges in job ads since November 1, 2022, and Ithaca since September 1, 2022.
Leave for parents
Paid Family Leave
New York Paid Family Leave started on January 1, 2018. In 2026 it pays up to 12 weeks at 67 percent of your average weekly wage, up to $1,228.53 a week. Employees pay for it through a payroll deduction of 0.432 percent of wages, capped at $411.91 for the year.
Paid sick leave
Since September 30, 2020, New York Paid Sick Leave has built up at least 1 hour for every 30 hours worked. Employers with 100 or more employees must give up to 56 paid hours a year, and those with 5 to 99 employees up to 40 hours. It can be used to care for your child.
Help with child care
The Child Care Assistance Program helps families who need care to work, look for work or study. Each local social services district runs it with funding from the Office of Children and Family Services. From June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027 the income limit is 85 percent of the state median, $97,853.70 a year for a family of three. Apply online or through your local district. In New York City you apply through MyCity, and the city currently funds new vouchers only for families on cash assistance, with others placed on a waiting list.
Pre-K
Universal pre-K serves 4-year-olds across the state through school districts and community programs, with half-day and full-day places. In New York City there is a free pre-K seat for every 4-year-old, running 6 hours and 20 minutes a day during the school year.
Tax credits
The New York State earned income credit is generally 30 percent of your federal credit and is refundable for full-year residents. New York City adds its own credit of 10 to 30 percent of the federal amount. The refundable Empire State Child Credit is $1,000 per child under 4, plus $500 per child aged 4 to 16, for 2026 and 2027.
Getting into work
The Department of Labor runs Career Centers across the state, branded Workforce1 in New York City. Insurance agents are licensed by the Department of Financial Services, and registered pharmacy technicians by the State Education Department.
Questions about working in New York
What is the minimum wage in New York in 2026?
$17.00 an hour in New York City, Long Island and Westchester, and $16.00 in the rest of the state. The state has said the rates will stay the same on January 1, 2027.
How much does New York Paid Family Leave pay?
Up to 12 weeks at 67 percent of your average weekly wage, with a maximum of $1,228.53 a week in 2026. Employees pay for it through a small payroll deduction.
Can I use New York sick leave for my child?
Yes. New York’s paid sick leave covers caring for a family member, including your child. You earn at least 1 hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 or 56 hours a year depending on employer size.
Send us the hours you can keep
Send us your hours and your New York ZIP code. We look for flexible roles near you, or remote roles open to New York residents.