Washington, D.C. employers need two dates on the calendar this year:
- July 1, 2025: the regular minimum wage rises from $17.50 to $17.95.
- Oct 1, 2025: the tipped cash wage will rise from $10.00 to $12.00 (but not before then).
Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the Tipped Minimum Wage Increase Clarification Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 (Act 26-94), formally pausing the tipped-wage hike that was slated for July 1. Until October 1, employers may continue paying $10 in direct wages to tipped workers, provided tips plus cash wages still equal at least $17.95 per hour. (SOURCES: news.bloomberglaw.com, legiscan.com)
Quick Compliance Checklist
- Update payroll systems: load the $17.95 standard rate for hours worked
- Keep tipped rate at $10 until Sept 30 pay periods close; schedule the $12 change for Oct 1.
- Audit tip-credit calculations
- Refresh job ads and offer letters to reflect the new rates and effective dates.
- Post / upload the 2025 D.C. Minimum Wage notice and monitor DOES for a revised tipped-wage poster.
- Communicate the timeline to managers and affected staff
Official Resources
- Act 26-94: text of the emergency law delaying the tipped increase.
- D.C. Department of Employment Services – Minimum Wage page: (standard rates, poster PDFs, FAQs) (does.dc.gov)
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Employers should closely monitor the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction(s) and should seek advice from counsel relative to their rights and responsibilities. For specifics, consult counsel or DOES guidance.