District of Columbia minimum wage 2026–2027: $18.40 now
District of Columbia's minimum wage is $18.40 an hour, in force since July 1, 2026 – $11.15 more than the federal $7.25. The rate changes again on July 1, 2027; the amount is not announced yet (usually in the spring). Adjusted every July 1 by the CPI.
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District of Columbia minimum wage pay calculator
District of Columbia minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $18.40 | July 1, 2026 | official |
| Next adjustment | TBA | July 1, 2027 | agency |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $10.30 | now | official |
When does the District of Columbia minimum wage go up?
The rate changes again on July 1, 2027; the amount is not announced yet (usually in the spring). Adjusted every July 1 by the CPI. Adjusted every July 1 by the consumer price index.
Tipped workers in District of Columbia
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $10.30 an hour and count up to $8.10 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $18.40 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
District of Columbia minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the District of Columbia minimum wage was $15.00; today it is $18.40 – up $3.40, or 22.7%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $15.00 | $15.20 | $16.10 | $17.00 | $17.50 | $17.50 |
How District of Columbia compares
District of Columbia ranks 1st of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; District of Columbia's $18.40 is $6.87 above it. Neighbors: Maryland $15.00, Virginia $12.77.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime: Over 40 hours a week, at one and a half times the regular rate. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $736.00; with 5 overtime hours it is $874.00.
Good to know
- The tipped base wage rose from $10.00 to $10.30 on July 1, 2026 (DOES).
Where to get help
The minimum wage in District of Columbia is enforced by the D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour Compliance; wage claims: does.dc.gov. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints in every state at 1-866-487-9243, and your name is kept confidential.
Not confirmed yet: 2025 value is the January 1, 2025 rate; D.C. changes its rate on July 1.
District of Columbia minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in District of Columbia right now?
$18.40 an hour for most adult workers. District of Columbia's minimum wage is $18.40 an hour, in force since July 1, 2026 – $11.15 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the District of Columbia minimum wage be in 2027?
It stays at $18.40 on January 1, 2027; the next rate is set on July 1, 2027.
What is the tipped minimum wage in District of Columbia?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $10.30 an hour and count up to $8.10 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $18.40 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
How much is the District of Columbia minimum wage per year?
At $18.40 an hour and 40 hours a week, $736.00 a week, about $3,189 a month and $38,272 a year before taxes.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in District of Columbia?
With the D.C. Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour Compliance – or with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243). Keep your pay stubs and a record of your hours.
Other states
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – State Minimum Wage Laws, Consolidated Minimum Wage Table and Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026 editions), the DOL's history table, and each state's and city's own labor department pages, linked on every state page. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates are for most adult, non-exempt workers; some jobs, industries and employers are exempt or have other rates. This is general information, not legal advice – the state labor department has the final word.