Virginia minimum wage 2026–2027: $12.77 now, $13.75 on January 1, 2027
Virginia's minimum wage is $12.77 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $5.52 more than the federal $7.25. The next change is on January 1, 2027: $13.75 an hour (+$0.98, 7.7%), fixed in state law.
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Virginia minimum wage pay calculator
Virginia minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $12.77 | January 1, 2026 | official |
| Scheduled increase | $13.75 | January 1, 2027 | law |
| Scheduled increase | $15.00 | January 1, 2028 | law |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $2.13 | now | official |
When does the Virginia minimum wage go up?
The next change is on January 1, 2027: $13.75 an hour (+$0.98, 7.7%), fixed in state law. Fixed steps to $15.00 in 2028 (Code of Virginia § 40.1-28.10).
Tipped workers in Virginia
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.13 an hour and count up to $10.64 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $12.77 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
Virginia minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the Virginia minimum wage was $7.25; today it is $12.77 – up $5.52, or 76.1%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $7.25 | $9.50 | $11.00 | $12.00 | $12.00 | $12.41 | $12.77 |
How Virginia compares
Virginia ranks 23th of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; Virginia's $12.77 is $1.24 above it. Neighbors: District of Columbia $18.40, Kentucky $7.25, Maryland $15.00, North Carolina $7.25, Tennessee $7.25, West Virginia $8.75.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime follows the federal rule: one and a half times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $510.80; with 5 overtime hours it is $606.57.
Good to know
- Virginia follows the federal tip credit: tipped workers may be paid $2.13 if tips bring them to the state minimum (DOLI).
Where to get help
The minimum wage in Virginia is enforced by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry; wage claims: doli.virginia.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.
Virginia minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in Virginia right now?
$12.77 an hour for most adult workers. Virginia's minimum wage is $12.77 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $5.52 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the Virginia minimum wage be in 2027?
$13.75 an hour from January 1, 2027 – fixed in state law.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Virginia?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.13 an hour and count up to $10.64 of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $12.77 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
How much is the Virginia minimum wage per year?
At $12.77 an hour and 40 hours a week, $510.80 a week, about $2,213 a month and $26,562 a year before taxes. At the 2027 rate of $13.75: $28,600 a year.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in Virginia?
With the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry – 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.