Minimum Wage in Virginia
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Virginia follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour with no state-specific increase.
How Virginia treats Minimum Wage
Virginia has not established a minimum wage above the federal floor, so employers must pay at least $7.25 per hour as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act. The state does not index its minimum wage to inflation or schedule automatic increases. Some localities in Virginia, including Arlington and Alexandria, have adopted higher local minimum wages that apply within their jurisdictions.
The general definition of Minimum Wage
The lowest hourly wage an employer is legally required to pay employees.
Minimum wage is the lowest hourly rate that employers must pay workers by law. The federal minimum wage in the United States is currently $7.25 per hour, but many states and cities have set their own higher minimums. Employers cannot pay workers less than the applicable minimum wage, even if the worker agrees to it. The minimum wage applies to most employees, though some categories (like certain trainees or workers with disabilities) may have exceptions. Violations can result in lawsuits, penalties, and back-pay owed to employees.
Read the full Minimum Wage entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.