District of Columbia overtime.
District of Columbia layers its own overtime rules on top of the federal FLSA baseline.
DC
40
hrs
—
—
$17.95
/hr
How District of Columbia calculates overtime.
Weekly overtime
Hours over 40 per workweek paid at 1.5×
Daily overtime
Not required by state law
Double time
Not required by state law
7th consecutive day
No special rule
Calculate your District of Columbia overtime
The weekly timesheet automatically applies DC rules.
Who's outside the rules
These categories of employees may be exempt from the overtime requirements above:
01
Executive, administrative, and professional employees
DC minimum wage is indexed to inflation.
Current rate is $17.50 (Jan 1 - June 30, 2025), increasing to $17.95 on July 1, 2025.
DC Department of Employment Services
(202) 724-7000
https://does.dc.gov
District of Columbia at a glance
The District of Columbia has a government-centered economy with federal and DC government operations accounting for 30% of economic activity and contributing $44.9 billion to GDP. Professional services, technology, and tourism round out the economy, with the tech sector experiencing significant growth and nearly 26 million visitors annually.
Industries with frequent overtime
Government and Government Contracting
Federal agencies and government contractors employ a large portion of DC's workforce. Government employees and contractors often work overtime during budget cycles, legislative sessions, and project deadlines.
Professional and Business Services
Law firms, consulting companies, and professional services contributed $38.6 billion to the economy. Attorneys, consultants, and analysts frequently work extended hours on client matters and deadlines.
Technology and Cybersecurity
DC topped national lists for tech job postings in 2024, with over 16,000 positions in October alone. IT professionals and cybersecurity specialists often work overtime during implementations and security incidents.
Hospitality and Tourism
Tourism employs approximately 10% of DC's workforce, serving 26 million annual visitors. Hotel, restaurant, and event staff frequently work overtime during peak tourist seasons and major events.
District of Columbia overtime FAQ
DC law requires employers to pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. As of 2025, the minimum wage overtime rate is $26.25 per hour (based on the $17.50 minimum wage).
DC has strong enforcement provisions. Employers may be liable for up to 4 times the unpaid overtime amount. Employees can recover 10% of unpaid wages for each day the wages are late, in addition to the wages owed.
Under DC law, you have three years from the date of the violation to file a wage claim. For federal FLSA claims, you have two years (or three years for willful violations). DC's longer statute of limitations may provide additional protection.
Filing a wage claim in District of Columbia
If you believe you're owed unpaid overtime, here's what to do — in order.
Gather evidence including pay stubs, timesheets, employment contracts, and records of unpaid hours
File a complaint with the DC Department of Employment Services (DOES) Office of Wage-Hour
Contact DOES at (202) 671-1880 or visit their website to submit your claim
Alternatively, file with the U.S. Department of Labor at 1-866-4US-WAGE
You may also pursue a private lawsuit to recover wages and potential damages
DC has a Universal Paid Leave program providing paid family and medical leave to private sector employees, funded by employer contributions. Employees can receive up to 8 weeks for bonding with a new child, 6 weeks to care for a sick family member, and 2 weeks for personal medical care. Additionally, DC is phasing out the tip credit by 2027, when tipped workers will receive the full minimum wage.
For general education only. Overtime law changes and has exceptions not listed here. For a specific situation, talk to your employer's HR department, the District of Columbia Department of Labor, or an employment attorney.