Washington DC Minimum Wage Increase
- Ishaan Satija
- Jun 30
- 1 min read
Intro
Workers in Washington DC now have one of the highest minimum wages in the country. For low wage earners in the city, the new rate sets the baseline for every hour on the schedule.
What Changed
DC’s minimum wage increases to 17.95 dollars per hour, with another step up to 18.00 dollars scheduled for July 1, 2025. That change shows up immediately in paychecks for workers at or near the legal floor. Employers with locations in DC and nearby states now juggle bigger gaps in labor costs. Workers who commute into the city may see DC jobs as more attractive than lower paid positions in surrounding areas.
What to Watch Next
Watch how businesses in hospitality, retail, and care work respond in their pricing and staffing. Also watch whether the higher minimum pushes other local governments in the region to raise their own wage floors to stay competitive.
