Current Minimum Wage in Virginia
The minimum wage in Virginia is $12.41 per hour as of 2026. This is $5.16 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $12.41 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $99.28 | 8 |
| Weekly | $496 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $993 | 80 |
| Monthly | $2,151 | ~173 |
| Annual | $25,813 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Virginia can be paid a cash wage of $2.13/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $12.41/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
Adjusted annually based on CPI. Was scheduled for $15 but increase paused.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $10,753 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (VA)
~$17.63/hr
Based on cost of living index (103.7)
Cost of Living Context
Virginia's cost of living index is 103.7 (national average = 100). This means living in Virginia is 3.7% more expensive than the national average. The median hourly wage in Virginia is $23.43/hr, which is 89% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
CPI-adjusted annually. The planned increase to $15/hr was paused by the legislature.
How This Compares
| Metric | VA | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $12.41 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.13 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $25,813 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Virginia Average Salary
Median income and top employers in VA
Virginia Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in VA
Salary Calculator
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Paycheck Calculator
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