GOOD QUESTION...I JUST GOOGLED IT...My whole point is ALMOST NOBODY who works in DC makes $7.25
Tipped Employees: Workers who customarily receive tips (such as servers and bartenders) have a base minimum cash wage of $10.30 per hour. However, if their hourly base wage plus their earned tips do not equal at least $18.40 per hour, the employer is legally required to pay the difference. 1
Higher Education Students: Students employed by their own colleges or universities can be paid a subminimum wage that aligns with the federal minimum wage ($7.25 per hour) rather than the DC rate. 1
Individuals with Disabilities: Workers with disabilities may be paid below the standard minimum wage if their employer holds a federal Section 14(c) certificate. 1
Older Americans Act Participants: Individuals employed under the provisions of the federal Older Americans Act are paid according to the specific guidelines of that federal program. 1
Job Classifications
Entirely Exempt from DC Minimum WageThe District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES)
excludes the following groups from standard minimum wage and overtime laws entirely:
White-Collar Professionals: Workers employed in a bona fide executive, administrative, professional, or computer-related capacity who meet defined salary thresholds.
1, 2
Outside Sales Representatives: Salespeople who regularly work away from the employer’s physical place of business. 1,
2
Newspaper Deliverers: Anyone actively engaged in delivering newspapers directly to consumer homes. 1,
2
Casual Babysitters & Volunteers: Individuals performing casual, non-regular babysitting or working as volunteers for charitable or religious organizations. 1
(Note: Unlike some states, DC does not have a lower youth or training wage. Regular teenage employees or high school students must be paid the full $18.40 rate.) 1
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u/NEWTONStreetScholar 10h ago
The minimum wage in Washington, D.C. is $18.40 per hour for most workers, effective July 1, 2026