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District of Columbia Minimum Wage (2026)
At a glance
| Hourly (2026) | $17.95 |
| Hourly (2025) | $17.50 |
| vs federal ($7.25) | +$10.70/hr higher |
| Scheduled increase | $17.95 |
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in District of Columbia in 2026?
$17.95 per hour for 2026, up from $17.50 in 2025.
How much is $17.95/hour per year?
Working full-time (40 hours/week, 52 weeks), that's $37,336 per year before taxes, about $3,111 per month. Calculate your own hours: /tools/hourly-salary-calculator/?rate=17.95.
Which rate applies if city and state minimum wages differ?
Employers must pay the highest of federal, state, and local rates for work performed in that jurisdiction.
Wage history (2019–2026)
Tipped employees in District of Columbia
Federal law (FLSA) allows a "tip credit": employers pay a lower cash wage ($10.00 here) as long as cash wage + tips reach at least the full minimum wage ($17.95). If tips fall short, the employer must make up the difference.
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor · District of Columbia labor department · NCSL. Verified 2026-09-09. Overtime rules by state → · 2027 increases →