West Virginia minimum wage
Minimum wage in West Virginia, in effect since January 1, 2016
$8.75 an hour
That is $1.50 above the federal minimum of $7.25. Employers in West Virginia pay the higher state rate.
Next increase: none announced as of October 9, 2026.
Tipped employees
Employers in West Virginia can pay tipped employees a cash wage of $2.62 an hour, taking a tip credit of up to $6.13, as long as tips bring the employee to at least $8.75 for every hour worked. If they don't, the employer makes up the difference.
Youth and training wages
West Virginia defers training wages (workers 20 or younger, first 90 days) to the federal rules.
Exceptions and details
- State rate applies where six or more non-exempt employees work at one separate, distinct and permanent location; otherwise the federal minimum may apply.
- Employers may take a 70% tip credit (cash wage $2.62) with written tip records.
- Meal credit: $4.00 per day for a full 8-hour shift.
Common questions
- What is the minimum wage in West Virginia?
- $8.75 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2016.
- What is the tipped minimum wage in West Virginia?
- $2.62 an hour in cash wages, provided tips bring the employee up to $8.75 an hour.
- When does the West Virginia minimum wage go up?
- No increase had been announced as of October 9, 2026.
Running payroll in West Virginia?
Recent changes
Last verified against the official source on October 9, 2026.
No changes recorded since we started tracking this page.
Sources
- West Virginia Division of Labor, Wage & Hour Section · data as of January 1, 2016 · last checked October 9, 2026
We copy figures from official sources and re-check them against the source before every update. See our methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.