District of Columbia Minimum Wage Increase Effective: July 1, 2026

Beginning July 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the District of Columbia will increase from $17.95 per hour to $18.40 per hour for all workers, regardless of size of employer.

The minimum wage will progressively increase each successive year in proportion to the increase in the Consumer Price Index. In 2025, the Consumer Price Index Increased by 2.4% within the Washington Metropolitan Area.

As of July 1, 2026, the base minimum wage for tipped employees will increase from $10.00 per hour to $10.30. However, if an employee’s hourly tip earnings (averaged weekly) added to the base minimum wage do not equal the District’s full minimum wage, the employer must pay the difference.

For employees who receive gratuities, the minimum wage will progressively increase during each successive year pursuant to the Consumer Price Index.

More Information:

https://does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/publication/attachments/2026%20Minimum%20Wage%20Increase%20Notice_0.pdf