As of January 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Virginia is $11 per hour. However, the minimum wage in Virginia is set to gradually increase each year until it reaches $15 starting January 1, 2026. The new minimum wage in Virginia increases to $12 on Jan. 1, 2023. Unlike other states, Virginia does not exempt tipped workers from the state mandated minimum wage. For this reason, tipped employees in Virginia are to receive the same minimum wage as all other employees plus earned tips. It is important to note that some employees are exempt from the state minimum wage, including full-time students who work fewer than 20 hours per week when school is in session, babysitters who work for fewer than 10 hours per week, individuals under the age of 18 employed by a parent or guardian, employees of children summer camps, and any person under the age of 16, regardless of employer.