As of January 1, 2026, the state of Virginia implemented a minimum wage increase, raising it from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour. This 2.9% adjustment was announced by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) in June 2025 and responds to changes in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers. Although the measure exceeds the federal threshold of $7.25, the update has generated discontent among sectors that consider the figure insufficient given the cost of living. Meanwhile, other states like California and New York are also preparing significant increases for the new year, placing them above Virginia’s average.
Increase of the minimum wage in Virginia
With the arrival of the new year, there has also been an increase in the minimum wage in the state of Virginia, aimed at mitigating the impact that inflation is having on citizens. It was last June 2025 when the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) announced this increase, raising the state minimum wage from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour.
This increase was calculated based on the Consumer Price Index, resulting in an adjustment of 2.9%. According to a DOLI statement, “all Virginia employers must pay covered employees at a rate not less than the minimum wage.” This new wage floor of $12.77 will remain in effect until January 1, 2027, when the state will proceed to perform a new calculation for future adjustments.
Not everyone is happy
Despite the increase, the announcement has not been well received by everyone. On social media, discontent is palpable. Social networks have been filled with comments from citizens expressing their frustration at this raise:
“Virginia is way behind! SMH [shaking my head] at the embarrassing increase!” one Facebook user wrote.
“Still not enough to survive,” said another
Although the new figure exceeds the federal minimum of $7.25, which had been frozen since 2009, it is not enough compared to raises that have taken place in other states. This is the case in California, where the year started with a wage of $16.90 per hour, or New York, with a wage of $17 for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, and $16 for the rest of the state. Rhode Island will also adjust its minimum to $16, with plans to reach $17 by 2027 to “help offset the rising cost of living,” according to statements from State Representative David Bennett.
Why isn’t there a bigger increase?
However, it is important to remember that a bill was previously promoted in the House of Delegates that aimed to reach a $15 salary by January 2027 through gradual increases. However, this proposal was vetoed by the state governor in March 2025, with the support of 64 votes from the House. For this reason, at least for now, Virginia workers will have to adjust to the new rate of $12.77 while the debate on wage adequacy remains open.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the new minimum wage in Virginia and how long will it be in effect?
As of January 1, 2026, the minimum wage has increased from $12.41 to $12.77 per hour. This 2.9% adjustment will remain fixed until January 1, 2027, when the state will carry out a new calculation based on inflation for future changes.
How does Virginia’s wage compare to the federal level and other states?
Although Virginia’s $12.77 wage is higher than the federal minimum of $7.25 (frozen since 2009), it falls behind other states in 2026. For example, California has raised its minimum wage to $16.90, New York reaches $17 in certain areas, and Rhode Island has set a minimum of $16 to offset the cost of living.
Why wasn’t the increase larger if there was a proposal to reach $15?
There was a bill to gradually raise the minimum wage to $15 by January 2027. However, this proposal was vetoed by the governor in March 2025. Because of this veto, the current increase was limited to the 2.9% inflation adjustment announced by the Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).