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Minimum Wage in West Virginia

West Virginia's minimum wage is $8.75 per hour for employers with six or more employees, and tipped employees can be paid a cash wage of $2.62 per hour under a 70 percent tip credit.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

West Virginia at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$8.75
State law applies only to employers with six or more employees and to state agencies.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$2.62
Employer tip credit is 70 percent of the hourly rate.
Next scheduled increase
None scheduled
Rises only if the federal minimum wage becomes equal to or greater than $8.75.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in West Virginia

What is the minimum wage in West Virginia in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in West Virginia: $8.75. State law applies only to employers with six or more employees and to state agencies.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in West Virginia?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in West Virginia: $2.62. Employer tip credit is 70 percent of the hourly rate.

When is the next minimum wage increase in West Virginia?

Next scheduled increase in West Virginia: None scheduled. Rises only if the federal minimum wage becomes equal to or greater than $8.75.

Where do the West Virginia minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from W. Va. Code 21-5C-2 and W. Va. Code 21-5C-4. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.