On July 19, 2021, Delaware Governor John Carney signed legislation that will gradually increase the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. This is a substantial increase from Delaware’s current minimum wage of $9.25 per hour. The minimum wage requirements apply to all employers who employ individuals in the state.

Following the examples set by neighboring Maryland and New Jersey, Delaware’s minimum wage increase will occur in phases. Effective January 1, 2022, the minimum wage will increase to $10.50 per hour. Thereafter, the minimum wage will increase annually on the following schedule:

• Effective January 1, 2023 – $11.75 per hour;

• Effective January 1, 2024 – $13.25 per hour; and

• Effective January 1, 2025 – $15 per hour.

In the event that a federal minimum wage ever exceeds Delaware’s minimum wage, the higher federal wage would apply.