Governor Spanberger signs legislation Thursday affecting workers across all 95 counties and 38 independent cities.
By Patricia Nguyen | The Commonwealth Wire
RICHMOND — Virginia’s minimum wage will increase to $13.75 per hour in 2025 and reach $15 per hour by 2028 under legislation Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed into law Thursday.
The new law marks the continuation of Virginia’s gradual minimum wage increases that began in 2021, when the state raised its rate from the federal minimum of $7.25 to $9.50 per hour. The current Virginia minimum wage stands at $12 per hour.
“This measured approach ensures Virginia workers see meaningful wage growth while giving employers time to adjust,” Spanberger said during the bill signing ceremony at the state capitol in Richmond.
The legislation affects an estimated 150,000 workers across Virginia’s 95 counties and 38 independent cities, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. Workers in Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, Richmond, and rural areas will all see the same statewide increase.
Business groups expressed mixed reactions to the signing. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce had requested a slower implementation timeline, citing concerns about small businesses in rural counties where cost of living differs significantly from urban areas like Fairfax County or the City of Virginia Beach.
“While we support fair wages for Virginia workers, the one-size-fits-all approach may create challenges for businesses in areas like Southwest Virginia, where the economic landscape differs from the Washington metropolitan region,” said chamber spokesperson Michael Roberts.
Labor advocates praised the move as overdue. The Virginia AFL-CIO noted that $15 per hour equals approximately $31,200 annually for full-time workers before taxes.
“This brings Virginia closer to a living wage, though workers in high-cost areas like Arlington County and Alexandria still face significant housing and transportation costs,” said union representative Sarah Martinez.
The law includes provisions for tipped workers, whose minimum wage will increase proportionally while maintaining the current tip credit structure. Restaurant workers in tourist areas like Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Shenandoah County are expected to benefit significantly.
Several Virginia localities already exceed the state minimum wage. Alexandria requires $15.85 per hour for city contractors, while some Northern Virginia jurisdictions have implemented higher rates for government workers.
The implementation timeline provides businesses nearly a year to prepare for the first increase. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry will conduct outreach sessions across the state to help employers understand the new requirements.
Neighboring states have taken different approaches to minimum wage policy. Maryland’s minimum wage reached $15 per hour in 2024, while North Carolina and Tennessee maintain the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour.
The legislation takes effect January 1, 2025, with automatic increases built into the law through 2028. After 2028, any further increases would require new legislation.
Key Facts
- Virginia minimum wage increases to $13.75 per hour in 2025, reaching $15 per hour by 2028
- Approximately 150,000 workers across all 95 counties and 38 independent cities will be affected
- Current Virginia minimum wage is $12 per hour, up from federal minimum of $7.25 since 2021
- Tipped workers will see proportional increases while maintaining current tip credit structure
- Implementation begins January 1, 2025, giving businesses nearly one year to prepare
Source: https://roanoke.com/news/article_59805c36-04c1-5c27-b1ea-938f0ee9146d.html
