D.C. Minimum Wage Increased to $15 on July 1

Thanks to the Fair Shot Minimum Wage Amendment Act of 2016, the minimum wage in D.C. increased to $15 per hour on July 1, 2020 for all workers, regardless of the size of the employer. In addition, tipped workers' minimum wage rose to $5.00 per hour. Employers should make sure to display the District’s Minimum Wage Amendment Revision Act Poster in a visible location at their worksite and, as a best practice, on an online message board or the company’s intranet for employees working remotely.

Wages are also going up in neighboring jurisdictions. Nearby, Maryland’s statewide minimum wage is $11 per hour with higher minimum wages in Montgomery County ($13 to $14, depending on employer size) and in Prince George’s County ($11.50). Virginia currently follows the Federal Minimum Wage ($7.25), but recently passed legislation will raise that amount starting May 1, 2021 (to $9.50) and then in additional increments each year.

The D.C. minimum wage requirement applies to any employee who works at least 50 percent of the time in D.C., regardless of where the worker resides. Nonprofit employers should also be aware of other wage and hour requirements in the District including providing both new and existing employees with “Notice of Hire” forms and paying eligible employees overtime when they work more than 40 hours per week.