Hourly Minimum Wage in Virginia

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The state-wide minimum wage for Virginia is $12.00 per hour as of January 01, 2023.

View all Virginia minimum wage values

Hourly Minimum Wage for Virginia and neighboring states in 2023

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Virginia minimum wage rate is $12.00 per hour in 2023. Workers receive a higher minimum wage in Virginia that exceeds the Federal Minimum Wage of $7.25. The Virginia minimum wage applies to most employees, with limited exceptions, including certain tipped employees, students or part-time workers, and other exempt occupations. The top 5 minimum wage states in the U.S. are District of Columbia, Washington, California, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.
The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 per hour and has not increased since 2009. Demand for a living wage that is fair to workers is rising. In response to this rising demand, numerous states, cities, and other localities have already enacted or will change minimum wage levels. In the few states with no established minimum wage, the current federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour will continue to apply.
Based on local legislation, many states have already enacted minimum wage increases or approved increases due for implementation at a future date.
These ever-changing laws, effective dates, and methodologies result in minimum wages that may change at different times or differ dramatically within a state or region. Minimum wage changes can be triggered for a location when these pre-determined conditions change and require careful monitoring to ensure compliance to the latest wage levels.
Salary.com continuously tracks all these complex changes. We can help to keep you informed about future changes and stay up to date on the latest minimum wage levels in your essential locations. Show me more data to view U.S. state minimum wages for future years.

Browse Minimum Wage by Year, and Forecast Minimum Wage Increase Trends in Virginia

The minimum wages in some states are higher than the federal minimum wage in 2023, including District of Columbia, Washington, California, Connecticut, and others. Many of the minimum wage increases were effective on January 01, 2023. Some states have effective dates occurring at different months of the year. Check the chart to stay up to date on the hourly minimum wage in Virginia.
View upcoming minimum wage changes to be on top of future changes to the minimum wage in your location.
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Hourly Minimum Wage for Tipped Employees in Virginia

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The tipped minimum wage is the lowest amount employers can pay an employee in occupations such as a bartender or server, that regularly receive more than $30 a month in tips. In some states, the tipped minimum wage may be lower than the non-tipped minimum wage because employers can claim a tip credit.
It is important to note that the tipped minimum wage can vary depending on where your business is and the size of the business. In some states, the tipped minimum wage is equal to the overall minimum wage for that state. In some locations, the federal tipped minimum wage applies. In other locations, the state-tipped minimum wage is set above the federal minimum. Tipped minimum wages may vary from state to state and can be frequently adjusted, making it essential to stay informed about the latest wage levels.
In Virginia, the tipped minimum wage is the same as the state minimum wage. It may be subject to adjustment based on other criteria, such as the size of the business.
See tipped data learn more about tipped and non-tipped minimum wage in Virginia.

What is the minimum wage in Virginia in 2023?

Virginia minimum wage in 2021: US$9.5 (effective May 1, 2021)

Virginia minimum wage in 2020: US$7.25

Virginia minimum wage in 2000: US$5.15 ($7.93 after inflation adjustment)

Virginia minimum wage in 1980: US$2.35 ($7.87 after inflation adjustment)

People's Opinions on Minimum Wage in Virginia

And with an annual subscription, you’ll receive new posters each year, so you can effortlessly keep up with the scheduled changes in Virginia’s mandatory minimum wage.

09/22/2021

Saslaw (D-Fairfax), who has long paid workers well above minimum wage at the gas stations he owns in Northern Virginia, said the state has fallen behind many others.

09/17/2021

Virginia has staked its business-friendly reputation on generous incentives for corporations, weak labor unions and a minimum wage lower than any of its neighbors.

09/17/2021

Other than discussed above, Virginia minimum wage laws do not allow employers to pay student workers a subminimum wage rate that is less than the standard minimum wage.

09/09/2021

On this West Virginia Morning, our election coverage continues with a story that explores an issue where there seems to be a lot of voter consensus – raising the minimum wage.

08/31/2021

In addition to any Virginia-specific minimum wage exemptions described above, the Federal Fair Labor Standards act defines special minimum wage rates applicable to certain types of workers.

08/09/2021

Virginia business owners who are not covered under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and who employ four or more individuals are governed by the state’s minimum wage laws.

08/04/2021

As a result, Virginia’s minimum wage is the lowest in the country compared to the cost of paying for rent, groceries, transportation, child care, and other necessities.

08/03/2021

Tara Gibson, Virginia director of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, said at the rally that raising the minimum wage would benefit women and their families.

07/29/2021

If your employer is not paying you in accordance with minimum wage laws, you may want to speak with a Virginia minimum wage violation lawyer about filing a claim.

07/11/2021

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Minimum Wage by State in 2023