Current Minimum Wage in District of Columbia
The minimum wage in District of Columbia is $17.50 per hour as of 2026. This is $10.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $17.50 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $140 | 8 |
| Weekly | $700 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $1,400 | 80 |
| Monthly | $3,033 | ~173 |
| Annual | $36,400 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in District of Columbia can be paid a cash wage of $10.00/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $17.50/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
Adjusted annually based on CPI inflation. Highest in the nation.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $21,340 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (DC)
~$25.86/hr
Based on cost of living index (152.1)
Cost of Living Context
District of Columbia's cost of living index is 152.1 (national average = 100). This means living in District of Columbia is 52.1% more expensive than the national average. The median hourly wage in District of Columbia is $32.61/hr, which is 86% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
Highest minimum wage in the nation. Annual CPI adjustments. Initiative 82 phases out tipped sub-minimum.
How This Compares
| Metric | DC | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $17.50 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $10.00 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $36,400 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
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