Virginia’s minimum wage is going up again in 2026

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Eligible Virginians who make the current minimum wage should see a pay bump in 2026 -- and there may be even more to come.

In accordance with existing state law, the state's minimum wage is set to increase on Jan. 1, 2026. Starting that day, employers will be required to pay the majority of Virginia's employees $12.77 an hour.

This is a 36-cent increase over the current minimum wage, which is $12.41.

Not all Virginians are eligible for the minimum wage, however. Under state law, several groups of workers are exempt from being paid the minimum wage. This includes golf course caddies, some traveling salespeople, taxi cab drivers, summer camp employees, farm workers and some temporary foreign workers, among others.

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Under the Virginia Minimum Wage Act, the Commonwealth's minimum wage has gradually increased over the course of multiple years in response to evolving economic conditions.

“The new minimum wage will ensure the Commonwealth remains the leading destination for businesses and job seekers alike," said the commissioner of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI), Gary G. Pan, in a press release.

Even so, a recent study shows that a Richmonder making the current minimum wage can only afford 45% of the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city.

During the latest General Assembly session, Virginia Democrats pushed to increase the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour. Though this measure passed both the House of Delegates and the Senate, it was vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R).

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“Successful states recognize that the government does not need to set labor prices; instead, they prioritize creating an economic environment conducive to wage and employment growth,” he said in his veto statement.

As a result of the 2025 General Election, Virginia Democrats have secured a trifecta across state government. In addition to making up the majority of both the House of Delegates and the Senate, they now hold the governorship through Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger (D).

Virginia Democrats previously announced that one of their legislative priorities during the next General Assembly session will be revisiting a further increase in the minimum wage.