District of Columbia Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027

As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in District of Columbia is $18.40 per hour, in effect since July 1, 2026. It is set by Fair Shot Minimum Wage Amendment Act of 2016 and administered by the DC Department of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour.

Maintained by Archie Chang · Rates and sources checked October 16, 2026 · Methodology & sources

Current rate (October 16, 2026)

$18.40

in effect since July 1, 2026

2027 rate

Not announced yet

Indexed to inflation

Compared with federal $7.25

$11.15 higher

Federal and state rules both apply

District of Columbia minimum wage in 2027

Not announced yet.

The rate adjusts every July 1 for inflation. The July 1, 2027 rate has not been announced as of October 16, 2026.

The rate rises each July 1 in proportion to the Consumer Price Index for the Washington metropolitan area (2.4 percent in 2025).

What changed in District of Columbia

District of Columbia changed its minimum wage during the period shown here. The rate in effect on January 1, 2026 was $17.95 (since July 1, 2025), and it moved to $18.40 on July 1, 2026.

  • July 1, 2025$17.95
  • July 1, 2026$18.40

The 2026 increase applies to all workers regardless of employer size. The DC living wage also rose to $18.40 on July 1, 2026.

District of Columbia minimum wage pay calculator

Rate

Current: $18.40

Weekly pay
$736.00
Monthly pay
$3,189.33
Yearly pay
$38,272.00
Overtime rate (1.5x)
$27.60 per hour

Gross pay before taxes at $18.40 per hour in District of Columbia, paid straight time for every hour you enter. Overtime rules differ by state and employee, so use the overtime calculator when you work more than 40 hours a week.

Working more than 40 hours? Try the overtime pay calculator. Paid for a holiday? Use the holiday pay calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in District of Columbia in 2026?

As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in District of Columbia is $18.40 per hour for most adult, non-tipped employees. District of Columbia changed its minimum wage during the period shown here. The rate in effect on January 1, 2026 was $17.95 (since July 1, 2025), and it moved to $18.40 on July 1, 2026.

Will the District of Columbia minimum wage go up in 2027?

The rate adjusts every July 1 for inflation. The July 1, 2027 rate has not been announced as of October 16, 2026.

Does District of Columbia have local minimum wages?

District of Columbia's page is based on the statewide rate. Cities or counties may have their own rules where state law allows it, and employers must pay the highest rate that applies.

Not legal advice. This page covers the general hourly minimum for most adult, non-tipped employees. Tipped, youth, training, student, agricultural, small-employer and industry-specific wages follow different rules. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies, whether it is federal, state or local. Confirm your rate with your state labor agency or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Sources for District of Columbia

Sources checked October 16, 2026.

Compare with similar states

See minimum wage in all 50 states and DC