Virginia Minimum Wage (2026)
Virginia’s minimum wage is $12.77 — $5.52 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: tipped minimum $2.13. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in Virginia is $12.77/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$12.77
- Tipped minimum$2.13
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$26,562
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
Virginia vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $15.00 | +$2.23 |
| West Virginia | $8.75 | −$4.02 |
| Kentucky | $7.25 | −$5.52 |
| Tennessee | $7.25 | −$5.52 |
| North Carolina | $7.25 | −$5.52 |
Virginia minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $12.77 |
| 2024 | $12.00 |
| 2023 | $12.00 |
| 2022 | $11.00 |
| 2021 | $9.50 |
| 2020 | $7.25 |
| 2019 | $7.25 |
| 2018 | $7.25 |
| 2017 | $7.25 |
| 2016 | $7.25 |
| 2015 | $7.25 |
| 2014 | $7.25 |
| 2013 | $7.25 |
| 2012 | $7.25 |
| 2011 | $7.25 |
| 2010 | $7.25 |
| 2009 | $6.55 |
| 2008 | $5.85 |
| 2007 | $5.15 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
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
CPI-adjusted annually (DOL: 'adjusted annually based on a set formula'; NCSL phrases next indexing as beginning Oct. 1, 2026 - the announcement cycle). Tipped cash wage $2.13 (max credit $10.64). 2025 value ($12.41) omitted - not in fetched sources.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Virginia in 2026?
$12.77 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $5.52 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Virginia?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $2.13; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does Virginia's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Virginia per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $12.77/hour is $26,562 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Virginia 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.