CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — West Virginia lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would increase the state’s minimum wage to $11 per hour beginning January 1, 2027.
House Bill 5485, introduced during the 2026 legislative session, proposes amending state wage law to raise the current minimum wage from $8.75 to $11.00 per hour for workers across the state.
Under the proposal, employers would be required to pay at least the new rate once it takes effect at the start of 2027. The legislation also keeps in place a provision ensuring that if the federal minimum wage rises above the state level, employers must follow the higher federal rate.
The bill does not significantly change existing rules surrounding training wages for newly hired younger workers, which allow a temporary lower wage under certain conditions and time limits.
If approved, the increase would apply broadly to employees statewide, including workers employed by state agencies and departments.
House Bill 5485 has been referred to the House Committee on Energy and Public Works for further consideration as lawmakers debate wage policy and economic impacts.
