Employment Preemption in Washington, DC (2026)
3 verified employment preemption rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Minimum Wage Preemption
The District sets its own minimum wage well above the federal floor, requiring most private employers to pay at least $17.95 per hour with annual CPI adjustments under DC Code 32-1003.
DC Minimum Wage Floor Above Federal Rate
Heavy RestrictionsPaid Leave Preemption
DC operates a fully employer-funded Universal Paid Family Leave program providing up to 12 weeks of partially-paid leave for parental, family-care, medical, and prenatal needs, administered through DOES.
DC Universal Paid Family Leave Program
Heavy RestrictionsWorker Scheduling Preemption
DC has not enacted a citywide predictable-scheduling law, but employers must maintain detailed time records, follow accrued sick and safe leave rules, and post DOES wage-hour notices in every workplace.
DC Hours and Scheduling Recordkeeping Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for District of Columbia county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Washington city rules.
Employment Preemption in District of Columbia →