The minimum wage increase as passed by the General Assembly during the 2020 session is set to take effect on May 1, 2021. This legislation was originally supposed to take effect on January 1, 2021 but was amended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation increases the minimum wage in stages. Effective May 1, the hourly minimum wage in Virginia will increase to $9.50. It will increase again on January 1, 2022 to $11 an hour, and will increase to $12 an hour on January 1, 2023.
Additional increases as defined by the legislation will be contingent on future actions by the General Assembly.
Minimum Wage Increase to Take Effect May 1
Related Resources
- Virginia Employment Commission’s upcoming virtual listening sessions.
Learn about the Virginia Employment Commission’s rulemaking process, upcoming listening sessions, and opportunities for employers to participate in shaping the new PFML program. - Virginia’s Employment Law Reset: Eight Changes That Affect Every Virginia Employer
Review eight major employment law changes from the 2026 General Assembly, including Paid Family & Medical Leave, paid sick leave, pay transparency, and other important compliance updates. - July 1 New Laws Compliance Checklist
Here is a consolidated action checklist of changes from the July 1 new laws, organized by business profile. - VRF News & Updates
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