Minimum wage in West Virginia
West Virginia's minimum wage is $8.75 an hour, $1.50 above the federal minimum. Full-time, that works out to $18,200 a year before taxes.
Last verified November 2, 2026. Sources: dol.gov.
$8.75Minimum wage per hour
$2.62Tipped cash wage
$13.13Overtime rate (1.5×)
—No change scheduled
Who gets which rate
Employers with 6+ employees at one location.
What the minimum wage pays in West Virginia
| Period | Before taxes | After taxes (estimate) |
|---|---|---|
| Hour | $8.75 | $7.79 |
| Week (40 hours) | $350 | $312 |
| Month | $1,517 | $1,351 |
| Year (2,080 hours) | $18,200 | $16,212 |
After-tax figures assume a single filer with the standard deduction, tax year 2026. Run your own numbers.
Overtime
Non-exempt workers earn at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek, which is $13.13 an hour at the West Virginia minimum.
How West Virginia compares with its neighbors
| State | Minimum wage | Next change |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $8.75 | — |
| Kentucky | $7.25 | — |
| Maryland | $15.00 | — |
| Ohio | $11.00 | $11.40 on January 1, 2027 |
| Pennsylvania | $7.25 | — |
| Virginia | $12.77 | $13.75 on January 1, 2027 |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the minimum wage in West Virginia?
- The West Virginia minimum wage is $8.75 an hour as of November 3, 2026.
- Is West Virginia's minimum wage going up?
- No increase is scheduled right now. Wagevane checks for announcements and updates this page automatically.
- What is the tipped minimum wage in West Virginia?
- Employers can pay tipped workers a cash wage of $2.62 as long as tips bring total pay to at least $8.75 an hour.
- How much is minimum wage a year in West Virginia?
- About $18,200 before taxes for 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, or roughly $16,212 after federal and state taxes.