| West Virginians who earn minimum wage should see a raise in pay shortly, providing their jobs are covered under federal wage guidelines.
Federal legislation took effect Thursday that increases the nation's minimum hourly wage by 70 cents to $6.55.
A spokeswoman with the state Division of Labor says most of the jobs offered in the state fall under federal wage and hour rules, making workers eligible for the raise.
Thursday's increase does not affect employees who are covered under West Virginia's minimum wage law. The state law primarily covers government employees and requires workers to receive $7.25 an hour.
The federal minimum wage will increase next year and match the state wage.
See U.S. Department of Labor
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