District of Columbia · Checked October 25, 2026
District of Columbia minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The District of Columbia minimum wage is $18.40 an hour. Next: Inflation update on July 1, 2027 (not published yet).
Minimum wage
District of Columbia: $18.40 an hour. Since July 1, 2026, for all employers.
Coming up: Inflation update on July 1, 2027 (not published yet).
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: $10.30. Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek, the federal rule. District of Columbia does not add a daily overtime rule.
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | Next business day |
|---|---|
| Quits | Next scheduled payday or within 7 days, whichever is sooner |
| Law | D.C. Code 32-1303 |
Take-home pay in District of Columbia
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and District of Columbia taxes with the District of Columbia paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- DC Department of Employment Services, 2026 minimum wage notice
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in District of Columbia?
$18.40 an hour as of October 25, 2026. Since July 1, 2026, for all employers.
Is the District of Columbia minimum wage going up in 2027?
Inflation update on July 1, 2027 (not published yet).
When is a final paycheck due in District of Columbia?
If fired or laid off: next business day. If the employee quits: next scheduled payday or within 7 days, whichever is sooner.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.