District of Columbia Minimum Wage (2026)
District of Columbia’s minimum wage is $18.40 — $11.15 above the federal $7.25, effective July 1, 2026. Tipped: tipped minimum $10.30. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for July 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in District of Columbia is $18.40/hour in 2026 (effective July 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$18.40
- Tipped minimum$10.30
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on July 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$38,272
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| July 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
District of Columbia vs. neighboring states
District of Columbia minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $17.95 |
| 2025 | $17.50 |
| 2024 | $17.50 |
| 2023 | $17.00 |
| 2022 | $16.10 |
| 2021 | $15.20 |
| 2020 | $15.00 |
| 2019 | $14.00 |
| 2018 | $13.25 |
| 2017 | $11.50 |
| 2016 | $11.50 |
| 2015 | $10.50 |
| 2014 | $9.50 |
| 2013 | $8.25 |
| 2012 | $8.25 |
| 2011 | $8.25 |
| 2010 | $8.25 |
| 2009 | $7.55 |
| 2008 | $7.00 |
| 2007 | $7.00 |
| 2006 | $7.00 |
| 2005 | $6.60 |
| 2004 | $6.15 |
| 2003 | $6.15 |
| 2002 | $6.15 |
| 2001 | $6.15 |
| 2000 | $6.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
Adjusts every July 1 (CPI-U Washington metro): $17.95 -> $18.40 on 7-1-2026 (EPI; NCSL confirms $18.40). DOL page still shows the Jan-2026 snapshot ($17.95/tipped $10.00). Tipped $10.00 -> $10.30 on 7-1-2026; I-82 tipped phase-up amended by Council (Aug 2025) to 60% of minimum 7-1-2028, 65% 2030, 70% 2032, capping at 75% in 2034. History entries are January values (mid-year July increases lag one row).
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in District of Columbia in 2026?
$18.40 per hour, effective July 1, 2026, which is $11.15 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in District of Columbia?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $10.30; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does District of Columbia's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect July 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in District of Columbia per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $18.40/hour is $38,272 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: District of Columbia labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.