Minimum Wage in District of Columbia (DC)
The minimum wage in District of Columbia is $17.50 per hour , effective July 1, 2026. This is $10.25 (141.38%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $10.00 per hour. Employers may pay tipped employees $10.00/hr in cash wages if tips bring total compensation to at least the minimum wage. DC adjusts minimum wage annually based on CPI. Tipped wage is increasing annually toward full minimum wage under Initiative 82.
Minimum Wage by City in District of Columbia
The table below shows the minimum wage for 1 cities in District of Columbia. No cities currently have local minimum wages above the state rate of $17.50/hr.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $17.50/hr | $36,400 | Same | +$10.25 |
How District of Columbia Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of District of Columbia with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where District of Columbia stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (DC) | $17.50/hr | $10.00/hr | $36,400 |
| Washington (WA) | $16.66/hr | $16.66/hr | $34,653 |
| California (CA) | $16.50/hr | $16.50/hr | $34,320 |
| Connecticut (CT) | $16.35/hr | $6.38/hr | $34,008 |
| New York (NY) | $15.50/hr | $10.65/hr | $32,240 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $15.49/hr | $5.62/hr | $32,219 |
Frequently Asked Questions About District of Columbia Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in District of Columbia in 2026?
The minimum wage in District of Columbia is $17.50 per hour as of July 1, 2026. This is $10.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $36,400 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in District of Columbia?
The tipped minimum wage in District of Columbia is $10.00 per hour. Employers can use a tip credit of $7.50/hr, paying tipped employees a cash wage of $10.00/hr, as long as tips bring total compensation to at least $17.50/hr.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in District of Columbia?
A full-time minimum wage worker in District of Columbia (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $36,400 per year before taxes. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in District of Columbia, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.