NYC’s Winter Snow Jobs Will Pay $30 an Hour—and Registration Starts This September

Snowy streets may be part of New York’s winter appeal, but keeping the city moving takes plenty of hard work. Ahead of the 2026–27 season, NYC is recruiting Emergency Snow Shovelers to help clear public spaces, with higher wages and an earlier registration process.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the changes on September 15, following a winter in which more than 7,800 New Yorkers joined the effort. Workers will earn $30 per hour, with overtime rising to $45 per hour after 40 hours in a week. The previous rates were $19.14 and $28.71, respectively. Source: NYC Mayor’s Office

The Department of Sanitation recruits shovelers for temporary work as needed. Assignments involve removing snow and ice around bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and outdoor public stairways—places residents and visitors rely on to get around after a storm. Hours depend on the city’s needs, so registration does not mean a regular weekly schedule or guaranteed overtime. Source: NYC311

Applicants must be at least 18, legally authorized to work in the United States, and able to do strenuous outdoor labor in harsh winter conditions. Workers must also provide suitable weather-resistant clothing. Source: DSNY

If you're interested, the first step is to attend a registration event. Five dates are currently listed across the boroughs, all running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday, September 19

Bronx
Taft High School, 240 East 172nd Street

Saturday, September 26

Manhattan
Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, 260 Pleasant Avenue

Saturday, October 3

Brooklyn
PS 289 George V. Brower, 900 St Marks Avenue

Saturday, October 10

Queens
PS 040 Samuel Huntington, 109-20 Union Hall Street

Saturday, October 17

Staten Island
Susan E. Wagner High School, 1200 Manor Road

The city may add further events, so check the official registration page before heading out.

Prepare your paperwork in advance. Applicants need a valid phone number and email address, their Social Security card, completed W-4 and IT-2014 withholding forms, and a completed I-9 with its required supporting identification. Employment authorization documents must be original and unexpired. Source: NYC311

Registering early comes with additional benefits. People who complete registration at a DSNY event before November 30, 2026, will be eligible for a paid four-hour orientation in December and expedited payroll processing. The city aims to issue payment within two weeks of work. Photos will also be taken at registration events, removing the previous requirement to bring a printed photograph. Source: NYC Mayor’s Office

After registration, applicants should watch for an email confirmation and orientation invitation. DSNY assigns reporting garages according to staffing needs and applicants’ location preferences, then contacts workers about shifts by phone or email. Keep the confirmation handy: workers must present it when reporting for an assignment. Source: DSNY