District of Columbia HR laws for employers (2026)
The District of Columbia rules employers ask about most: minimum wage, overtime, final pay, unused vacation, paid sick leave and breaks.
District of Columbia employment law at a glance
| Minimum wage | $18.40 per hour |
|---|---|
| Tipped cash wage | $10.30 per hour |
| Overtime | No daily overtime; 1.5x pay after 40 hours in a week. |
| Final pay when fired | By the next working day after discharge. |
| Final pay when an employee quits | By the next regular payday or within 7 days of quitting, whichever comes first. |
| Unused vacation / PTO at separation | No statute requires payout; it depends on the employer's policy or contract, and promised vacation is generally treated as earned wages. Verify |
| Paid sick leave | Yes: 100+ employees, 1 hour per 37 hours worked, up to 7 days/year; 25-99 employees, 1 hour per 43 hours, up to 5 days; fewer than 25, 1 hour per 87 hours, up to 3 days. |
| Meal breaks | No requirement for adult employees. |
| Rest breaks | No requirement. |
Minimum wage note: Rose from $17.95 to $18.40 on July 1, 2026, for all employers regardless of size. Adjusted each July 1 for inflation (CPI); the July 2027 rate is not yet announced.
Verify means we could not confirm that item from an official District of Columbia or US Department of Labor source, so check it with the state before relying on it.
Other District of Columbia rules to know
- Pay transparency (since June 30, 2024): job postings must include a good-faith pay range, and employers may not ask about or screen on wage history.
- Applicants must be told about health care benefits before the first interview.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in District of Columbia in 2026?
$18.40 per hour, effective July 1, 2026. Rose from $17.95 to $18.40 on July 1, 2026, for all employers regardless of size. Adjusted each July 1 for inflation (CPI); the July 2027 rate is not yet announced.
When is a final paycheck due in District of Columbia?
If the employer ends employment: By the next working day after discharge. If the employee quits: By the next regular payday or within 7 days of quitting, whichever comes first.
Does District of Columbia require paying out unused vacation?
No statute requires payout; it depends on the employer's policy or contract, and promised vacation is generally treated as earned wages.
Is paid sick leave required in District of Columbia?
Yes: 100+ employees, 1 hour per 37 hours worked, up to 7 days/year; 25-99 employees, 1 hour per 43 hours, up to 5 days; fewer than 25, 1 hour per 87 hours, up to 3 days.
Sources
HR laws in other states
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.