Minimum Wage in Virginia (VA)
The minimum wage in Virginia is $12.41 per hour , effective January 1, 2025. This is $5.16 (71.17%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $2.13 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $2.13/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. Virginia's planned increase to $15.00 in 2026 was delayed by the legislature. CPI adjustments apply.
Minimum Wage by City in Virginia
The table below shows the minimum wage for 4 cities in Virginia. No cities currently have local minimum wages above the state rate of $12.41/hr.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | $12.41/hr | $25,813 | Same | +$5.16 |
| Richmond | $12.41/hr | $25,813 | Same | +$5.16 |
| Virginia Beach | $12.41/hr | $25,813 | Same | +$5.16 |
| Norfolk | $12.41/hr | $25,813 | Same | +$5.16 |
How Virginia Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Virginia with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Virginia stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (VA) | $12.41/hr | $2.13/hr | $25,813 |
| Michigan (MI) | $12.48/hr | $10.36/hr | $25,958 |
| Nevada (NV) | $12.00/hr | $12.00/hr | $24,960 |
| New Mexico (NM) | $12.00/hr | $3.00/hr | $24,960 |
| Alaska (AK) | $11.91/hr | $11.91/hr | $24,773 |
| Nebraska (NE) | $13.50/hr | $2.13/hr | $28,080 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Virginia in 2026?
The minimum wage in Virginia is $12.41 per hour as of January 1, 2025. This is $5.16 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $25,813 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Virginia?
The tipped minimum wage in Virginia is $2.13 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $10.28/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $2.13/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $12.41/hr.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Virginia?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Virginia (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $25,813 per year before taxes. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Virginia, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.