Virginia Minimum Wage Increases: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

Virginia Minimum Wage Increases: Everything You Need to Know in 2024
Browse this comprehensive guide to the Virginia minimum wage in 2024, including exemptions, projections, and other information for small business owners.
by Square Nov 20, 2023 — 2 min read
Virginia Minimum Wage Increases: Everything You Need to Know in 2024

If you’re a small-business owner in the Old Dominion state, we know you’re eager to stay on top of current Virginia minimum wage laws. So, we’ve put together this quick guide with all the info you need to know about the minimum wage in Virginia.

What is the minimum wage in Virginia?

The minimum wage in Virginia is $12.00 per hour. Unlike other states, Virginia does not exempt tipped workers from the state mandated minimum wage. For this reason, tipped employees in Virginia are to receive the same minimum wage as all other employees plus earned tips. 

The state of Virginia has a long list of employees who are exempt from the state minimum wage. Some employees who are exempt from this minimum wage rate include:

Keep in mind that counties, cities, and towns may have their own minimum wage laws. Be sure to check what local wage laws may apply to you.

Learn how to formalize and grow your business. Check out the Employer Launchpad.

Are there plans to change the minimum wage?

Virginia’s state minimum wage is set to gradually increase each year, until it reaches $15 starting January 1, 2026. It will then be $15 per hour for workers whose employment is covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and to public employees. A higher minimum wage may also be required by the FLSA for some workers.

While many states increase the minimum wage in accordance with the cost of living or inflation, before 2021, Virginia had not increased its minimum wage since 2009 when it went up $0.70 from $6.55.

Date Minimum Wage
2022 $11.00
2023 $12.00
2025 $13.50
2026 $15.00

What’s happening to the Virginia minimum wage beyond 2026?

The plan beyond 2026 is uncertain. Most Virginia minimum wage employees will be earning gradual increases per hour each year until it caps at $15 in early 2026. Some mitigating circumstances could change this. For instance, the current law allows the Virginia Commissioner of Labor and Industry to stop wage increases if they see negative job growth in the state.

How should small business owners prepare for changes to the minimum wage?

With changes to the minimum wage on the horizon, you should prepare. Here are a few options you may consider during the Virginia minimum wage increase:

As always, to make sure your business is prepared and stays in compliance, you should discuss Virginia minimum wage laws with your accountant and lawyer.

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