Statutory minimum wage in Washington (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Washington has a state minimum wage of $17.13 per hour in 2026, rising to $17.73 per hour on 1 January 2027. Some local jurisdictions set higher rates.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| National statutory minimum wageEmployees | Yes [1] |
| Current adult minimum wage (gross)Employees | $17.13 per hour [2] |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusionsEmployees | Workers aged 14 and 15 may be paid no less than 85% of the minimum wage. From 1 January 2027 their minimum wage will be $15.07 per hour. [2] |
| Next scheduled changeEmployees | 1 January 2027 [2] |
| Amount from next change (gross)Employees | $17.73 per hour [2] |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workersEmployees | No tip credit: tips and service charges may not count towards the hourly minimum wage, which must be paid in full. [2] |
| Overtime payEmployees | Time and a half of the regular rate for hours over 40 in a seven-day workweek; no double time under state law (except some public works). Employees cannot waive overtime. [3] |
| Higher local minimum wagesEmployees | Yes. 2026 local rates include Seattle $21.30, Tukwila $21.65, Renton $21.57, Burien up to $21.63, SeaTac $20.74 (hospitality and transport), Everett up to $20.77, unincorporated King County up to $20.82 and Bellingham $19.13. [4] |
Notes
- Some local jurisdictions have higher minimum wage rates. Each September 30 the department recalculates the rate for the following 1 January under RCW 49.46.020.
- Several local rates depend on employer size; check the ordinance of each city or county.
Sources
- Washington State Legislature: RCW 49.46.020 Minimum hourly wage—Paid sick leave (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Minimum Wage (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Overtime (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Local Minimum Wage Rates (consulted 10 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| National statutory minimum wage | Yes (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Current adult minimum wage (gross) | $7.25 per hour (source: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division) |
| Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | A new employee under 20 years of age may be paid not less than $4.25 an hour during the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment with an employer. (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
Washington and neighbouring states
| State | National statutory minimum wage | Current adult minimum wage (gross) | Age bands, reduced rates and exclusions | Next scheduled change | Amount from next change (gross) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | Yes (state law) | $17.13 per hour | Ages 14-15: at least 85% of minimum ($15.07 from 2027) | 1 January 2027 | $17.73 per hour |
| Idaho | Yes | $7.25 per hour | New hires under 20 years of age may be paid $4.25 per hour, but only for the first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment. | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Oregon | Yes (state law) | Employees: $15.55 per hour (standard rate) Employees, Portland metro: $16.80 per hour (Portland metro) Employees, Non-urban: $14.55 per hour (non-urban counties) | None; same rate for minors | 1 July 2027 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
More rules in Washington
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+ within limits · Growing at home: Prohibited (medical patients: 6 plants)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph county; 60 mph state
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (intermediate licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 if in driver training; otherwise 15.5
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Three classes · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (no rockets, firecrackers) · Minimum age to buy: 16
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Allowed unless intimidating or alarming · Locking or one-handed knives: Spring blade banned; assisted opening not
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.