West Virginia Minimum Wage (2026)
West Virginia’s minimum wage is $8.75 — $1.50 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2016. Tipped: tipped minimum $2.62. Next change: no increase currently scheduled.
The minimum wage in West Virginia is $8.75/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2016).
- Minimum wage$8.75
- Tipped minimum$2.62
- Next scheduled changeNone scheduled
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$18,200
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
None. West Virginia has no future increase written into law; the rate changes only by legislation or ballot measure.
West Virginia vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 | −$1.50 |
| Maryland | $15.00 | +$6.25 |
| Virginia | $12.77 | +$4.02 |
| Kentucky | $7.25 | −$1.50 |
| Ohio | $11.00 | +$2.25 |
West Virginia minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $8.75 |
| 2025 | $8.75 |
| 2024 | $8.75 |
| 2023 | $8.75 |
| 2022 | $8.75 |
| 2021 | $8.75 |
| 2020 | $8.75 |
| 2019 | $8.75 |
| 2018 | $8.75 |
| 2017 | $8.75 |
| 2016 | $8.75 |
| 2015 | $8.00 |
| 2014 | $7.25 |
| 2013 | $7.25 |
| 2012 | $7.25 |
| 2011 | $7.25 |
| 2010 | $7.25 |
| 2009 | $7.25 |
| 2008 | $6.55 |
| 2007 | $5.85 |
| 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
Applies to employers of 6+ at one location. $8.75 shown from 2016 per DOL history (statutory effective date was 12-31-2015, not verified from fetched sources). Tipped cash $2.62 (70% credit).
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in West Virginia in 2026?
$8.75 per hour, effective January 1, 2016, which is $1.50 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in West Virginia?
The base cash wage for tipped workers is $2.62; tips must bring total pay to at least the full minimum, or the employer makes up the difference.
When does West Virginia's minimum wage go up next?
No future increase is currently written into law; a change would require new legislation or a ballot measure.
How much is full-time minimum wage in West Virginia per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $8.75/hour is $18,200 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: West 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.