Virginia Raises Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour by 2028

Governor Spanberger signs legislation to incrementally increase the state's minimum wage over the next several years.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:19am

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A warm, cinematic painting of a solitary worker counting coins in the sunlight of an urban storefront, conveying the emotional impact of a minimum wage increase on everyday people's lives.The new minimum wage law aims to provide a living wage for full-time workers in Virginia, though some business leaders worry about the potential economic impacts.Hampton Today

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed into law a bill that will gradually raise the state's minimum wage from the current $12.77 per hour to $13.75 in 2027 and $15 per hour in 2028. The legislation also requires farm workers to be paid at least the state minimum wage starting in 2027.

Why it matters

This move aims to help low-wage workers in Virginia keep up with the rising cost of living, though some business leaders have expressed concerns about the potential impact on prices and hiring. The minimum wage increase was a key part of Governor Spanberger's affordability agenda.

The details

The new law will increase Virginia's minimum wage from the current $12.77 per hour to $13.75 in 2027 and then to $15 per hour in 2028. After that, the minimum wage will continue to rise in accordance with inflation. The legislation also requires farm workers in the state to be paid at least the minimum wage starting on January 1, 2027.

  • The minimum wage will increase to $13.75 per hour in 2027.
  • The minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour in 2028.
  • Farm workers must be paid at least the state minimum wage starting on January 1, 2027.

The players

Abigail Spanberger

The Governor of Virginia who signed the minimum wage increase legislation into law.

Jeion Ward

A Democratic member of the Virginia House of Delegates who carried the minimum wage bill.

Louise Lucas

A Democratic member of the Virginia Senate who carried the minimum wage bill.

Glenn Youngkin

The former Republican Governor of Virginia who previously vetoed minimum wage increase legislation.

Virginia Farm Bureau

The organization representing the agricultural industry in Virginia, which provides over 381,800 jobs in the state.

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What they’re saying

“Today, we are putting more money in the pockets of Virginia workers. If you work full time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia. You should be able to keep up with your rent or mortgage, fill your medications, and save for your kids' futures.”

— Abigail Spanberger, Governor of Virginia

“Increasing the minimum wage was part of Spanberger's affordability agenda she campaigned on.”

— Kate Seltzer, Reporter

What’s next

The new minimum wage law will go into effect gradually, with the first increase to $13.75 per hour happening in 2027 and the full $15 per hour minimum wage taking effect in 2028.

The takeaway

This minimum wage increase is a significant step in Virginia's efforts to help low-wage workers keep up with the rising cost of living, though some business leaders have expressed concerns about the potential impact on prices and hiring. The legislation also extends minimum wage protections to the state's agricultural workers for the first time.