Virginia preempts city-set minimum wages, so Virginia Beach workers earn the statewide floor of $12.41 per hour in 2025 rising to $13.50 effective January 1, 2026 under Va. Code Section 40.1-28.10.
Under Dillon's Rule and the Virginia Minimum Wage Act, localities cannot raise their own wage floor above the state level. The schedule set in 2020 reform legislation steps up annually until reaching $15 indexed thereafter. Virginia Beach's roughly 230,000 jobs in hospitality, retail, and the Resort Area Special Service District are covered. Tipped workers may receive the federal tip credit so long as combined cash plus tips reach the state minimum. Federal contractors at Naval Air Station Oceana and on related installations apply the Executive Order 14026 federal contractor minimum, which exceeds state law.
Workers underpaid below state minimum can recover unpaid wages, an equal amount in liquidated damages, attorney's fees, plus civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation under state law.
Virginia Beach, VA
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Virginia Beach, VA
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See how Virginia Beach's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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