Statutory minimum wage in Virginia (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Virginia has a state minimum wage of $12.77 per hour in 2026. It rises to $13.75 per hour on 1 January 2027 and $15.00 per hour on 1 January 2028.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $12.77 per hour [1] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | Employees in an employer on-the-job or other training programme of up to 90 days that meets the Commissioner's standards must be paid the greater of the federal minimum wage or 75 per cent of the Virginia minimum wage. [1] |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | 1 January 2027 [1] |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | $13.75 per hour [1] |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | $2.13 per hour cash wage; the employer may count tips for up to $10.64, so wage plus tips must reach $12.77. [2] |
| Overtime payEmployees | Follows the federal FLSA: its overtime rules, exemptions and calculation methods apply, and employees can claim unpaid overtime under state law. [3] |
Notes
- The statute sets the greater of the stated rate or the federal minimum wage. From 2029 the rate is adjusted annually.
Sources
- Virginia Law (Code of Virginia): § 40.1-28.10. Minimum wages (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees, table revised 1 July 2026 (Internet Archive snapshot of 4 October 2026) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Virginia General Assembly: Code of Virginia 40.1-29.2 Employer liability (overtime) (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Virginia and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | Yes (state law) | $12.77 per hour | Trainees (up to 90 days): 75% of state wage or federal | 1 January 2027 | $13.75 per hour |
| District of Columbia | Yes | $18.40 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | By 1 July 2027 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Kentucky | Yes | $7.25 per hour | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maryland | Yes | $15.00 per hour | 85% of the rate under 18 | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| North Carolina | Yes | $7.25 per hour | 90% for students, learners, apprentices | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Tennessee | No state minimum wage | Federal $7.25 per hour | — | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| West Virginia | Yes (state law) | $8.75 per hour | $6.40 training wage under 20 for 90 days | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Virginia
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Up to 4 plants per household
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph; 35 mph elsewhere in towns · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 3 mths (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 yrs 6 mths (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class three: 14, or supervised
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (only permissible fireworks)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Concealed list; folding knife not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Not named; "like kind" clause
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.