U.S. Chamber of Commerce
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

District of Columbia Minimum Wage Law


Effective January 1, 2006, the minimum wage for the District of Columbia is $7.00 per hour. If a higher wage is established by a wage order, the higher rate prevails.

The District's minimum wage law applies to all employers, except the United States or the District of Columbia. In addition, the following are excluded from the definition of employee:

  1. volunteers working in an educational, charitable, religious, or nonprofit organization,
  2. lay members elected or appointed to an office within any religious organization, and
  3. individuals employed in domestic service or otherwise employed in or about the employer's residence. Further, the following are exempt from the District's minimum wage and overtime laws: employees employed in a bona fide executive, administrative or professional capacity; outside salespersons; and persons delivering newspapers to the homes of customers.

The rate for laundry and dry cleaning employees is $5.45 per hour and $4.95 per hour if an employer provides health benefits.

Small Business Library

Documents and Forms

Small Business Toolkits

Printing & Shipping

Business Services Directory

The U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Connections directory puts you in touch with leading companies that provide services for businesses like yours.

 
Urge your members of Congress to support the
U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.


A Growth and Prosperity Agenda for America

From the Magazine

From the Blog

 
FedEx Monster Yellow