# Labor Rights in Virginia

[Labor rights by state](/labor-rights/)

Virginia's $12.77 minimum wage is indexed to inflation, but the state offers no paid sick leave or paid family leave mandates, and it is a right-to-work state. Tipped workers fall under the federal $2.13 cash wage. Virginia courts recognize a narrow public policy exception to at-will employment (the Bowman exception) but generally do not enforce implied contracts from handbooks.

Data last verified 2026-10-12

## Workplace rights in Virginia at a glance

  Minimum wage (2026)$12.77 (effective January 1, 2026; indexed annually to inflation)Tipped minimum wage (2026)$2.13 per hour cash wage (federal tip credit applies); tips plus cash wage must total at least $12.77 per hour, and the employer must make up any shortfallOvertime1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek (federal FLSA baseline; no daily overtime requirement)Paid sick leaveNo statewide mandatePaid family and medical leaveNo state programMeal breaksNo state requirement beyond federal for adults. Minors under 16 must receive a 30 minute break after 5 consecutive hours of workRest breaksNo state requirement beyond federalRight-to-work lawYesAt-will employmentpublic policyFinal paycheckDue on the next regular payday (Va. Code 40.1-29)

## How Virginia compares to federal law

Virginia sets a minimum wage above the federal floor of $7.25 an hour, so the state rate is what most employers must pay. Overtime follows the federal Fair Labor Standards Act: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek. There is no state paid sick leave or paid family leave mandate, so the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (unpaid leave for eligible workers) is the only baseline.

## Neighboring states

- [**Maryland**$15.00 minimum wage, paid sick leave yes, right-to-work no.](/labor-rights/maryland/)
- [**West Virginia**$8.75 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/west-virginia/)
- [**Kentucky**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/kentucky/)
- [**Tennessee**$7.25 minimum wage, paid sick leave no, right-to-work yes.](/labor-rights/tennessee/)

[Compare all 50 states and DC side by side](/labor-rights/)

Workplace laws change. This summary reflects state law as verified on 2026-10-12; confirm details with your state labor department before acting on it.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is Virginia's minimum wage in 2026?

$12.77 per hour effective January 1, 2026, with annual inflation adjustments going forward.

### Does Virginia require paid sick leave?

No. Virginia has no statewide paid sick leave mandate, so leave depends on your employer's policy.

### Is Virginia a right-to-work state?

Yes. Virginia law prohibits requiring union membership or dues as a condition of employment.

### Can I be fired for no reason in Virginia?

Virginia is strongly at-will. The main exception is the narrow public policy exception: you cannot be fired for refusing to commit a crime or for exercising a statutory right. Courts generally do not treat handbook promises as implied contracts.