District of Columbia Minimum Wage (2026)
Built & reviewed by Nandu Kannan · Overtime rules cited to primary statutes
District of Columbia's minimum wage is $17.95 an hour in 2026. Washington, D.C. has the highest minimum in the country at $17.95 and adjusts it each July 1.
District of Columbia minimum wage vs. the federal minimum
The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. District of Columbia's effective minimum is $17.95 — $10.70 above the federal floor. Where state and federal minimums differ, employers must pay whichever is higher.
Minimum-wage pay & overtime
At $17.95 an hour, overtime (1.5×) is $26.92 per hour. 1.5× after 40 hours in a workweek. No daily overtime. Run your own numbers with the District of Columbia overtime calculator or convert it to a yearly figure with the salary to hourly calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in District of Columbia in 2026?
The minimum wage in District of Columbia is $17.95 per hour as of 2026. Washington, D.C. has the highest minimum in the country at $17.95 and adjusts it each July 1.
How much is District of Columbia's minimum wage per year?
At $17.95 an hour, full-time (40 hours a week, 52 weeks) is about $37,336 a year before taxes, or $718 a week.
Is District of Columbia's minimum wage higher than the federal minimum?
Yes. District of Columbia's $17.95 is above the federal minimum of $7.25. When state and federal minimums differ, employers must pay the higher rate.
What is overtime pay on District of Columbia's minimum wage?
Overtime is 1.5× your regular rate, so a minimum-wage worker at $17.95 earns $26.92 per overtime hour. 1.5× after 40 hours in a workweek. No daily overtime.
Rate as of January 2026, from the U.S. Department of Labor. Cities and counties may set higher local minimums, and rates change — confirm with your state labor office. General information, not legal or payroll advice.
Related
What's a minimum-wage paycheck after taxes in District of Columbia?
Minimum wage by state · District of Columbia overtime · Overtime by state · Salary to Hourly