Good news, Virginia: The minimum hourly wage is now $11 as of Jan. 1. In fact, since last May, Virginians working for minimum wage have seen a $1.50 increase per hour. Over the next few years, the rate will continue to increase until it hits at least $15 in 2026.
That increase will be transformative for women, who make up nearly two-thirds of the workforce in low-paid jobs. Research shows that raising the minimum wage would have a huge impact on mothers, particularly those who are primary or sole breadwinners for their families.
In April 2020, Democrats controlled the Virginia House, Senate, and governor’s office, and as a result were able to pass a law that would significantly—though gradually—increase the minimum wage over the next few years.
Here’s an overall timeline of how the minimum wage will increase for Virginia workers over the next several years, as set forth by the law:
April 2020: $9 <= Bill becomes law.
May 2021: $9.50
January 2022: $11 <= You are here.
January 2023: $12
January 2025: $13.50 <= Not guaranteed.
January 2026: $15
January 2027: $15+
These changes will only go into effect if the law is “reenacted by a regular or special session of the General Assembly prior to July 1, 2024.”
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