District of Columbia: minimum wage
Each state's current minimum hourly wage and whether the federal $7.25 rate is what applies.
Checked on official source| State minimum wage | $18.40 |
|---|---|
| Is the federal $7.25 the rate that applies? | No, the state rate is higher |
Where state and federal minimums differ, you get the higher one. Some cities and counties set higher rates, and tipped, youth and training rates differ.
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in District of Columbia.
How District of Columbia compares
$18.40 ranks 1 of 46 (1 = highest) for state minimum wage.
Lowest $5.15Highest $18.40
- $5.15 – $7.25 (15)
- $8.75 – $11 (4)
- $11.41 – $15 (15)
- $15.10 – $15.16 (3)
- $15.55 – $18.40 (9)
- Federal $7.25 applies (5)
Also for District of Columbia: Discrimination deadlines in District of Columbia · Paid leave programs in District of Columbia · Final paycheck rules in District of Columbia · Paid sick leave in District of Columbia · State income tax in District of Columbia · Right-to-work laws in District of Columbia · Tipped minimum wage in District of Columbia · Payday frequency in District of Columbia · Rest break laws in District of Columbia · State EITC in District of Columbia · All District of Columbia rules on one page
How we checked this
Rates come from the U.S. Department of Labor's state minimum wage table, updated November 5, 2026. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site Single detailed source one detailed table built from statutes or official data Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.