District of Columbia Minimum Wage & Labor Laws (2026)
In 2026, the District of Columbia minimum wage is $18.40/hour. Overtime is 1.5× the regular rate over 40 hours a week. Below are the wage, overtime, final-paycheck and break rules, a calculator pre-set to District of Columbia, and how to file a wage claim if you're owed money.
- Overtime
- 1.5x the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. District of Columbia follows the federal FLSA weekly rule.
- Tipped pay
- $10.30/hr cash. $10.30 base wage for tipped workers since July 1, 2026; the employer must make up any shortfall to $18.40.
- Final paycheck
- Fired: Next business day. Quit: Next payday or within 7 days, whichever is earlier.
- Meal & rest breaks
- Meal: No state requirement (follows federal; none mandated). Rest: No state requirement (none mandated).
District of Columbia pay & overtime calculator
Pre-set to District of Columbia. Enter your rate and hours.
Your hours
Your pay this week
OT $30.00/hrDistrict of Columbia follows the FLSA weekly rule: 1.5× the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek.
District of Columbia figures are current for 2026 and compiled from the U.S. Department of Labor and District of Columbia's labor department. Cities and counties may set higher local minimums, and industry rules vary, so confirm with your state labor department before relying on this for payroll or a legal decision.
Get an email when the District of Columbia minimum wage changes
No change is announced yet. We'll email you when one is, with the date and the source.
How to file a wage claim in District of Columbia
To recover unpaid wages in District of Columbia, file with DC Dept. of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour. Federal law lets you claim up to 2 years of back pay (3 if the violation was willful), plus an equal amount in liquidated damages.
- Agency
- DC Dept. of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour
- Federal window
- 2 years of back pay, or 3 if the violation was willful, plus equal liquidated damages.
- District of Columbia adds
- DC allows liquidated damages of up to 3× the unpaid wages.
Step by step
- 1Gather your records
Collect pay stubs, time records, schedules and any texts about hours. In District of Columbia, your own honest records can carry a claim if the employer's are missing.
- 2Work out what you're owed
The back-pay estimator adds up the unpaid wages and how far back you can recover them.
- 3Send a written demand
Many disputes settle after a dated letter that states the amount owed and the deadline you're giving the employer to pay.
- 4File with DC Dept. of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour
If the employer doesn't pay, file a wage claim with the agency below. Filing is free and you don't need a lawyer.
- 5Mind the deadline
Federal claims must be filed within 2 years (3 if willful). Your state may set a shorter deadline for its own process, so don't wait.
District of Columbia wage claim questions
Who do I file an unpaid-wage claim with in District of Columbia?
DC Dept. of Employment Services, Office of Wage-Hour. You can also file a federal complaint with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. You can also sue in court, often with an employment attorney.
How far back can I recover unpaid wages in District of Columbia?
Federal law (FLSA) allows 2 years of back pay, or 3 years for a willful violation, plus an equal amount in liquidated damages. DC allows liquidated damages of up to 3× the unpaid wages.
Can my employer retaliate for filing a wage claim in District of Columbia?
No. Federal and state law prohibit firing, demoting or punishing you for asserting your right to be paid. Retaliation is a separate violation you can also claim.