7 New Virginia Employment Laws Every Employee Should Know (2026–2029)

If you’re working in Virginia—or looking for a new job—there are several new employment laws that could directly affect your paycheck, benefits, and workplace rights over the next few years.

Some changes are already in effect, while others will roll out through 2029. Here’s what employees need to know.

1. You’ll See Salary Ranges Before You Apply

Effective July 1, 2026

Virginia employers are generally required to include a good-faith wage or salary range in both external and internal job postings. This gives job seekers a better idea of compensation before investing time in the application process.

Why this matters:
• Reduce pay inequities
• Save time during your job search
• Give you more confidence when negotiating compensation
• Help you compare opportunities more effectively

2. Employers Can’t Ask About Your Salary History

Effective July 1, 2026

In most cases, Virginia employers may no longer ask about your prior salary, seek that information from former employers, rely on it when making hiring decisions, or retaliate because you decline to provide it.

Why this matters:
This law helps prevent employees from carrying lower wages from one job to the next and encourages compensation based on the position—not your salary history.

3. Stronger Protection Against Certain Non-Compete Agreements

Beginning July 1, 2026, healthcare professionals generally cannot be required to sign new non-compete agreements. Employees who are laid off or terminated without cause may also have additional protections against enforcement of certain non-compete agreements entered into after July 1, 2026, unless qualifying severance or other disclosed monetary compensation is provided.

If you’re unsure whether your non-compete is enforceable, have it reviewed before assuming it is.

4. Virginia’s Minimum Wage Is Increasing

• January 1, 2027: $13.75/hour
• January 1, 2028: $15.00/hour
• Beginning 2029: Annual inflation-based adjustments

  Employees earning close to minimum wage should monitor these increases to ensure they are being paid correctly.

5. Paid Family and Medical Leave Is Coming

Beginning in late 2028, eligible employees may receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, caring for a family member, your own serious health condition, certain military family needs, and circumstances involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

6. Paid Sick Leave Is Expanding

Virginia’s paid sick leave law will phase in based on employer size. Eligible employees will generally earn one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Leave may be used for your own illness, preventive care, caring for a family member, or certain domestic violence-related needs.

7. Volunteer Emergency Responders Have New Protections

Employees serving as volunteer emergency responders have greater protection from discipline when they miss work responding to qualifying emergencies, provided they satisfy the notice and documentation requirements.

What Should Employees Do Now?

These new laws create important protections, but they do not eliminate every workplace problem. If you’re changing jobs, negotiating compensation, signing a non-compete agreement, requesting leave, or believe your employer isn’t following Virginia employment laws, it’s important to understand your rights before making important decisions.

Have Questions About Your Rights?

Employment laws continue to change, and every situation is different.

If you believe your employer may be violating Virginia employment laws—or if you’re unsure how these new laws affect your employment—Lipp Law represents employees throughout Virginia in matters involving wrongful termination, discrimination, retaliation, wage disputes, employment agreements, non-compete agreements, severance negotiations, and other workplace issues.

Contact Lipp Law t o schedule a confidential consultation today.