West Virginia's state minimum wage is $8.75/hour for employers with 6 or more employees per location.
West Virginia maintains a split minimum wage system. Employers with six or more non-exempt employees at a single, distinct, and permanent work location must pay at least $8.75 per hour. Smaller employers (fewer than six employees at a location) are typically subject only to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, if covered by the FLSA.
WV Minimum Wage
Ensures proper minimum wage application based on employer size and location.
What these rules do as a West Virginia shift is created.
Teambridge's compliance engine automatically evaluates each shift against West Virginia's minimum wage rules, ensuring that all employees are compensated correctly based on their employer's size and location, and flagging any potential underpayments.
Prevent minimum wage violations
Before a shift is confirmed, Teambridge calculates the effective minimum wage for the employee based on the employer's size (6+ employees at that location) and the employee's status (e.g., tipped, training wage eligibility). If the proposed pay rate falls below this threshold, a warning is issued to prevent non-compliance.
Automate tipped wage calculations
For tipped employees, Teambridge ensures the base wage plus anticipated tips meets the state minimum wage. The system automatically applies the $2.62/hour tipped wage rate and accounts for the 70% tip credit, flagging if the combined rate does not reach $8.75/hour for covered employers.
Manage training wage eligibility
Teambridge tracks the 90-day training period for employees under 20 years old, automatically applying the $6.40/hour training wage when applicable and alerting managers when the period is nearing its end, ensuring a smooth transition to the full minimum wage.
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West Virginia's minimum wage is $8.75 per hour for larger employers.
West Virginia law mandates a minimum wage of $8.75 per hour for employers with six or more non-exempt employees at one distinct work location. Employers with fewer than six employees at a given location are typically only subject to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, if federal coverage applies. Specific provisions exist for tipped employees and a training wage for youth.
WV Code § 21-5C-2(a)(5)
Every employer shall pay to each of his or her employees wages at a rate of not less than $8.75 per hour: Provided, That the minimum wage established in this subdivision shall apply only to employers with six or more employees in one separate, distinct and permanent work location.
For employers with fewer than six employees in one separate, distinct and permanent work location, the minimum wage shall be the federal minimum wage as established by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended.
Tipped Employees and Training Wage
West Virginia law permits a tip credit against the minimum wage. Employers may pay tipped employees a direct wage of $2.62 per hour, provided that the employee's tips, when added to this direct wage, equal or exceed the applicable minimum wage of $8.75 per hour. This constitutes a 70% tip credit (i.e., $8.75 - $2.62 = $6.13, and $6.13 / $8.75 ≈ 0.70). If the combined direct wage and tips do not meet the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Additionally, a training wage of $6.40 per hour can be paid to employees under 20 years of age for their first 90 calendar days of employment. After this 90-day period, or upon turning 20, the employee must be paid the full applicable minimum wage.
Employer Coverage and Exemptions
The state minimum wage applies to employers with six or more employees at a single, distinct work location. This threshold is crucial for determining whether the $8.75 state rate or the federal $7.25 rate applies. Certain employees are exempt from both federal and state minimum wage requirements, including executive, administrative, and professional employees, as well as outside salespersons, and certain agricultural workers, as defined by federal and state law.
Teambridge ensures West Virginia wage compliance without manual checks.
With Teambridge, you can confidently schedule and pay your West Virginia employees. Our platform automatically applies the correct minimum wage rate based on your specific employer characteristics, including employee count per location, ensuring compliance without constant vigilance.
Configure location employee counts
During initial setup, you designate the number of employees at each distinct West Virginia work location. Teambridge uses this data to determine the applicable state or federal minimum wage for that site.
Real-time minimum wage validation
As you create or modify shifts, Teambridge instantly validates the proposed pay rate against the specific minimum wage for that employee and location, including considerations for tipped and training wages.
Automated wage adjustments
Before payroll processing, the system performs a final check, ensuring all hours are compensated at or above the legally required minimum, automatically flagging any discrepancies for review.
Compliance audit trails
All wage calculations and compliance checks are logged, providing a comprehensive audit trail that demonstrates adherence to West Virginia's minimum wage laws for any potential inquiry.
People also ask.
What is West Virginia's minimum wage in 2026?
As of 2026, West Virginia's state minimum wage is $8.75 per hour. This rate applies to employers with six or more non-exempt employees at a single, distinct, and permanent work location. For employers with fewer than six employees at a location, the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour typically applies, if the employer is covered by the FLSA.
Does the WV minimum wage apply to all employers?
No, the $8.75 state minimum wage only applies to employers with six or more non-exempt employees at one separate, distinct, and permanent work location. Employers with fewer than six employees at a location are subject to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, if federally covered.
What is the tipped minimum wage in West Virginia?
For tipped employees, West Virginia law allows a direct cash wage of $2.62 per hour. This amount, combined with tips, must equal or exceed the applicable minimum wage ($8.75 per hour for covered employers). If tips do not bring the total to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Is there a training wage in West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia permits a training wage of $6.40 per hour for employees under 20 years of age during their first 90 calendar days of employment. After this 90-day period or upon turning 20, whichever comes first, the employee must be paid the full applicable minimum wage.
What is the West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act (WPCA)?
The West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act (WV Code § 21-5) governs various aspects of wage payment, including pay frequency, final pay, and prohibits certain deductions. Critically, it allows for triple liquidated damages for employees whose wages are wrongfully withheld, making compliance essential.
Are there any exemptions from West Virginia's minimum wage?
Yes, similar to federal law, certain employees are exempt from West Virginia's minimum wage requirements. These typically include executive, administrative, and professional employees, outside salespersons, and certain agricultural workers, provided they meet specific duties and salary tests.