District of Columbia Minimum Wage in 2026: $18.40 an Hour
The minimum wage in District of Columbia is $18.40 an hour since July 1, 2026, $11.15 above the federal minimum. Full time that is $38,272 a year before tax.
District of Columbia minimum wage at a glance
| Minimum wage | $18.40 an hour |
|---|---|
| In effect since | July 1, 2026 |
| Next change | Inflation increase on Jul 1, 2027 |
| Tipped cash wage | $10.30 an hour |
| Overtime rate | $27.60 an hour |
| Federal minimum | $7.25 an hour |
The District is a single city jurisdiction whose minimum is adjusted for inflation each July 1, and its tipped cash wage is 56% of the minimum from July 1, 2026.
What $18.40 an hour pays
| A week (40 hours) | $736 |
|---|---|
| A 50-hour week with overtime | $1,012 |
| A month | $3,189 |
| A year | $38,272 |
| Take-home a year (single) | $31,735 |
District of Columbia and its neighbors
For employers in District of Columbia
- Pay at least $18.40 an hour, and the new rate from July 1, 2027; a higher city or county rate applies where it exists.
- Overtime: time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
- Pay transparency: All job listings and position descriptions must state the good-faith minimum and maximum projected salary or hourly pay, and applicants must be told before the first interview whether healthcare benefits are offered. Details →
- A full-time hire at $18.40 an hour costs more than $38,272 once payroll taxes and insurance are added. Employee cost calculator →
Source: www.dol.gov, checked October 12, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in District of Columbia in 2026?
$18.40 an hour, since July 1, 2026. The District is a single city jurisdiction whose minimum is adjusted for inflation each July 1, and its tipped cash wage is 56% of the minimum from July 1, 2026.
How much is the District of Columbia minimum wage a year?
$38,272 a year for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks: $3,189 a month or $736 a week before tax. After federal and state taxes a single filer takes home about $31,735 a year.
Is the District of Columbia minimum wage going up?
Yes: by an inflation adjustment on July 1, 2027.
What is overtime pay at minimum wage in District of Columbia?
$27.60 an hour (time and a half) for hours over 40 in a workweek. A 50-hour week at minimum wage pays $1,012.
What is the tipped minimum wage in District of Columbia?
Employers may pay tipped workers a cash wage of $10.30 an hour if tips bring them up to $18.40; if not, the employer must pay the difference.
Do cities in District of Columbia have a higher minimum wage?
Not that we list. If your city or county sets its own minimum wage, the higher rate applies where the work is done.
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