Legislative lowdown: Virginia’s minimum wage is set to increase to $15 an hour

Virginia workers will be entitled to a $15-an-hour minimum wage within the next few years.

On April 9, Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a bill into law that will increase Virginia’s minimum wage to this level by 2028. It’s currently $12.77 an hour.

Spanberger also signed a separate bill entitling Virginia farm workers to earn the state minimum wage, starting Jan. 1, 2027. Historically, farm workers have been exempted from the state’s minimum wage requirements, allowing employers to pay them the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers,” Spanberger said in a statement. “If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids’ futures.”

Inflation set to strain wages. Virginia’s new minimum wage comes as wages are growing more slowly, according to the latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. At the same time, inflation is set to rise this year due in part to the US-Israeli war against Iran, which could further dampen wages.

The high cost of living is top-of-mind not only for HR leaders setting compensation, but also lawmakers; affordability is one key issue set to dominate this year’s midterm elections.

With this law, Virginia is set to join 17 other US states that currently require employers to pay their workers at least $15 an hour. For the first time this year, there are more US workers earning this rate than the federal minimum.

What HR should know. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, all Virginia employers will be required to pay their workers at least $13.75 per hour. The minimum wage will go up to $15 in 2028, and be adjusted annually for inflation after that.

Several other pieces of labor legislation are being held up by Spanberger’s office, as the governor proposed amendments to these bills before signing them. Among the bills still awaiting her signature are a proposal to establish a paid family and medical leave program in the state, as well as legislation granting workers up to five days of paid sick leave.