Washington Minimum Wage 2026
$17.13
per hour since January 1, 2026
Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 an hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. Washington's minimum wage rises to $17.73 an hour on January 1, 2027.
Reviewed by Slava Akulov, CEO & Co-Founder at Jupid · Last updated: October 2026
Pick a city or county if you work there; its rate is above the statewide floor.
Up to 40. Hours over 40 in a workweek go in the overtime field.
Paid at 1.5 times the rate ($25.70 an hour).
Weekly
$685
Monthly (average)
$2,969
Annual
$35,630
Gross pay before taxes. For take-home pay after federal, state and payroll taxes, use the Washington hourly paycheck calculator.
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Washington Minimum Wage at a Glance
2026 minimum wage
$17.13
Since January 1, 2026
Tipped cash wage
$17.13
No tip credit allowed
Next change
$17.73 on Jan 1, 2027
Published rate
Overtime
Weekly
1.5 times the regular rate
Applies to workers 16 and older; 14- and 15-year-olds may be paid 85% of the adult rate.
Local Minimum Wages in Washington
These cities, counties or regions set a 2026 rate above the $17.13 statewide floor. Employers pay the highest rate that applies where the work is done. Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien and unincorporated King County set higher rates.
| Jurisdiction | 2026 rate | Since | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burien (501+ employees) | $21.78 | January 1, 2026 | Medium employers $20.78, small employers $19.28. The large-employer rate rises to $22.49 on January 1, 2027. |
| Tukwila | $21.65 | January 1, 2026 | Rises to $22.45 on January 1, 2027. |
| Renton | $21.57 | January 1, 2026 | Mid-size employers (15 to 500) reached this rate on July 1, 2026. Rises to $22.28 on January 1, 2027; employers with 14 or fewer are not covered. |
| Seattle | $21.30 | January 1, 2026 | All employers. Rises to $22.14 on January 1, 2027. |
| King County, unincorporated (500+ employees) | $20.82 | January 1, 2026 | Smaller employers $19.82 or $18.32. Rises to $21.57 on January 1, 2027. |
| Everett (500+ employees) | $20.77 | January 1, 2026 | Other covered employers $19.77 since July 1, 2026. |
| SeaTac (hospitality and transportation) | $20.74 | January 1, 2026 | Applies only to hospitality and transportation industry employers. |
| Bellingham | $19.13 | January 1, 2026 | Set at $2.00 above the state minimum wage each January 1. |
Tipped Minimum Wage in Washington
Washington does not allow a tip credit: tipped employees must be paid the full $17.13 an hour before tips. Tips and service charges cannot count toward the hourly minimum wage.
Cash wage
$17.13
Maximum tip credit
$0.00
Cash wage plus tips must reach
$17.13
Other Washington Minimum Wage Rates
- Workers aged 14 and 15: $14.56. 85% of the adult rate; $15.07 from January 1, 2027
Overtime Rules in Washington
Overtime is due after 40 hours in a workweek. Overtime is paid at 1.5 times the regular rate, so at the $17.13 minimum an overtime hour pays at least $25.70. To work out overtime on any hourly rate, use the overtime pay calculator.
Washington Minimum Wage History
| Effective | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 (current) | $17.13 |
| January 1, 2025 | $16.66 |
| January 1, 2024 | $16.28 |
| January 1, 2023 | $15.74 |
Washington Minimum Wage in 2027
Washington's minimum wage rises to $17.73 an hour on January 1, 2027. The Department of Labor & Industries announced it on September 30, 2026 after a 3.5% CPI-W increase. The rate for 14- and 15-year-olds becomes $15.07.
Washington Minimum Wage FAQ
More Pay Tools for Washington
Washington Hourly Paycheck Calculator
Take-home pay for hourly work, with overtime and taxes.
Washington Paycheck Calculator
Salary take-home pay after federal and state taxes.
Overtime Pay Calculator
Time-and-a-half and double-time pay for any rate.
Employee Cost Calculator
What an hourly hire costs with payroll taxes added.
Minimum Wage in Other States
State minimum wages range from the federal $7.25 to $18.40 an hour in 2026. Pick a state to see its rate, tipped wage and 2027 change.
Official References
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Minimum Wage
- L&I news release 26-17 (Sept 30, 2026): minimum wage rises to $17.73 in 2027
- L&I History of Washington State's Minimum Wage
- L&I Local Minimum Wage Rates
- U.S. Department of Labor: State Minimum Wage Laws
- U.S. Department of Labor: Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees
- Burien (501+ employees) minimum wage
- Tukwila minimum wage
- Renton minimum wage
- Seattle minimum wage
- King County, unincorporated (500+ employees) minimum wage
- Everett (500+ employees) minimum wage
- Bellingham minimum wage
Rates verified against the sources above on October 30, 2026. The calculator shows gross pay only. Industry rates, exemptions and local ordinances can change during the year; check the agency page before setting pay. This page is general information, not legal advice.
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