Is My Boss Supposed to Be Paying Me Overtime if I Make Minimum Wage?

 Posted on July 26, 2025 in Employment Law

If you are earning minimum wage in Washington, D.C., you might wonder whether overtime laws apply to you. Many workers assume that because they are paid at the lowest legal rate, they are not entitled to extra pay for long hours. This is one of the most common misconceptions about wage laws, and one that some employers rely on to save money at their workers’ expense.

In reality, D.C.’s wage laws are some of the strongest in the nation. As of July 1, 2025, the minimum wage for non-tipped employees rose to $17.95 per hour. This increase applies to all employers in the District, no matter how large or small their business. Alongside this high minimum wage, D.C. law requires most employees to receive overtime pay when they work more than 40 hours in a week. Even if you are earning minimum wage, you are still entitled to this protection unless your job falls under a very narrow exemption. Our Washington D.C. minimum wage violation attorneys can take a look at your case and tell you more. 

Understanding Overtime Rights for Minimum Wage Workers

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), employers must pay eligible workers 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for every hour worked beyond 40 in a workweek. D.C. law mirrors this requirement and provides additional safeguards for employees. For someone earning $17.95 per hour, overtime pay in D.C. would be at least $26.93 per hour as of July 2025.

Many employers comply with this rule. However, there are also businesses that skirt their obligations, whether by "forgetting" to add overtime to paychecks, pressuring employees to work off the clock, or misclassifying workers as exempt from overtime laws. These practices are illegal in D.C., and employers who engage in them can face significant financial penalties.

What Happens When Employers Break Wage Laws?

D.C. takes wage theft seriously. If your employer refuses to pay overtime, you have the right to file a complaint with the D.C. Office of Wage-Hour Compliance or take legal action in court. Both options can help you recover unpaid wages, but a private lawsuit often gives workers a chance to recover even more, including liquidated damages that may come out to double or triple what is owed in wages.

An employer found guilty of violating wage laws can be required to pay back wages, damages, and your attorney’s fees. If the employer retaliates against you for standing up for your rights, such as cutting your hours, demoting you, or firing you, you may also be entitled to additional compensation.

Steps to Protect Yourself If Overtime Is Denied

If you suspect that your employer is failing to pay you correctly, it is important to document everything. Keep track of all hours worked, save copies of your pay stubs, and keep any communications with your boss about scheduling and pay. Acting quickly matters because there are strict deadlines for filing a wage claim in D.C., and waiting too long could prevent you from recovering what you are owed.

Taking Legal Action to Recover Your Wages

Employees in D.C. are not powerless when employers refuse to follow the law. With strong legal protections and an experienced wage violation attorney on your side, you can hold your employer accountable and recover the pay you have earned. An attorney can help you navigate the process, gather evidence, and ensure that your employer’s unlawful conduct stops.

Contact a Washington, D.C. Overtime Wage Violation Lawyer for Employees

If your boss has failed to pay you overtime or otherwise violated D.C. wage laws, call a Washington, D.C. employee wage violation attorney at Melehy & Associates LLC today. We offer free case evaluations and can help you recover unpaid wages, pursue damages, and enforce your rights under D.C.’s worker protection laws. Call 301-587-6364 now.