Vermont Minimum Wage Local Authority Under 21 V.S.A. 384

Vermont's minimum wage is set under 21 V.S.A. 384, with annual cost-of-living adjustments. Unlike many states, Vermont does not expressly preempt local minimum wage ordinances, leaving municipalities theoretical authority to enact higher local wages, though no Vermont city has done so. The 2026 state minimum wage is $14.01 per hour, with reduced tipped employee rates of $7.01 per hour subject to tip credit reconciliation. Employers must comply with the higher of state or applicable local rates. Vermont's Department of Labor enforces wage and hour rules and investigates complaints from employees and the public.

Wage violations under 21 V.S.A. 384 carry penalties including back wages, liquidated damages, and civil fines up to $5,000 per violation.