Virginia Raises Minimum Wage to $15 by 2028

Virginia just took a major step toward making work pay for thousands of families across the state.

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation Thursday that will raise Virginia's minimum wage from $12.77 to $15 per hour by January 2028. Workers will see their first bump to $13.75 per hour in January 2027, putting more money in their pockets to cover rent, groceries, and savings.

The new law also extends minimum wage protections to farm workers for the first time. Governor Spanberger worked directly with the Virginia Farm Bureau to create a solution that protects both agricultural workers and the farming industry that feeds the state.

"If you work full-time in Virginia, you should be able to afford to live in Virginia," said Governor Spanberger. The wage increase affects hundreds of thousands of workers who previously struggled to keep up with the rising cost of living.

But the good news doesn't stop at paychecks. The Governor signed seven additional bills designed to connect Virginians with better job opportunities and training programs.

High school students can now start apprenticeships in culinary arts and information technology while still in school. A new healthcare program will help teens train and become certified nurse aides, addressing the state's nursing shortage while giving young people a head start on solid careers.

The state is also recruiting workers for Virginia's growing offshore wind industry through bipartisan legislation. Local workforce development boards gained more flexibility to invest in training programs tailored to their communities' needs.

The Ripple Effect

These changes create a positive cycle for Virginia's economy. When workers earn more, they spend more in their local communities. Small businesses benefit from both increased customer spending and access to better-trained employees.

The bills passed with strong bipartisan support, with several passing unanimously. Republicans and Democrats agreed that investing in Virginia's workforce strengthens the entire state's competitive advantage.

The new internship coordinator position will help students discover public service careers they might never have considered. For federal workers affected by recent job cuts, a new program will help them transition into state government roles where their skills and experience remain valuable.

As Governor Spanberger put it, preparing the next generation to succeed is "a win for families, a win for local communities, and importantly, a win for the businesses that call Virginia home."