West Virginia minimum wage 2026–2027: $8.75 now
West Virginia's minimum wage is $8.75 an hour, in force since January 1, 2016 – $1.50 more than the federal $7.25. No increase is scheduled: West Virginia's rate is fixed in state law and changes only when the legislature or voters act.
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West Virginia minimum wage pay calculator
West Virginia minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $8.75 | January 1, 2016 | official |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $2.62 | now | official |
When does the West Virginia minimum wage go up?
No increase is scheduled: West Virginia's rate is fixed in state law and changes only when the legislature or voters act. There is no automatic inflation adjustment.
Tipped workers in West Virginia
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.62 an hour and count up to 70% of the minimum wage ($6.13) of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $8.75 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
Who is covered, and who can be paid less
Employers with 6 or more employees at one location. West Virginia publishes no separate youth rate; the federal law allows $4.25 for workers under 20 in their first 90 days only where the state rate does not apply. Jobs covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act never get less than $7.25.
West Virginia minimum wage history
The rate has not changed since at least 2020: $8.75.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $8.75 | $8.75 | $8.75 | $8.75 | $8.75 | $8.75 | $8.75 |
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia ranks 31th of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; West Virginia's $8.75 is $2.78 below it. Neighbors: Kentucky $7.25, Maryland $15.00, Ohio $7.25–$11.00, Pennsylvania $7.25, 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 $350.00; with 5 overtime hours it is $415.63.
Good to know
- The state law covers employers with 6 or more employees at one location (DOL).
Where to get help
West Virginia has no state agency enforcing a minimum wage. Unpaid minimum wage or overtime is reported to the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (no state minimum wage enforcement). 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.
West Virginia minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in West Virginia right now?
$8.75 an hour for most adult workers. West Virginia's minimum wage is $8.75 an hour, in force since January 1, 2016 – $1.50 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the West Virginia minimum wage be in 2027?
It stays at $8.75 – no change is scheduled for 2027.
What is the tipped minimum wage in West Virginia?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.62 an hour and count up to 70% of the minimum wage ($6.13) of tips toward the minimum wage, as long as wages plus tips reach $8.75 for every hour; otherwise the employer pays the difference.
How much is the West Virginia minimum wage per year?
At $8.75 an hour and 40 hours a week, $350.00 a week, about $1,517 a month and $18,200 a year before taxes.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in West Virginia?
West Virginia has no state agency that enforces a minimum wage, so file with the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division (no state minimum wage enforcement) – 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.