Washington State continues to disburse the highest minimum wages in the US, setting the standard far above the federal level of $7.25 per hour.
For 2025, the state’s minimum wage has been set at $16.66 per hour, and is scheduled to rise to $17.13 per hour in 2026, reflecting annual cost-of-living adjustments, according to Washington Labor & Industries.
Which localities will witness hike in the minimum wage?
Localities like Seattle, Bellingham, Burien, Everett, Renton, SeaTac and Tukwila, as well as unincorporated King County, will also increase their minimum wages in 2026. The 2026 minimum wage rate represents a year-on-year increase of 2.8%, reflecting a slight increase in inflation over the past year. By comparison, the minimum wage increased by 8.6% in 2023, 3.4% in 2024 and 2.3% in 2025, Marca reported.
Which professionals are exempt from overtime?
Employers in Washington who pay overtime-exempt computer professionals on an hourly basis, rather than a salary, must pay at least 3.5 times the minimum hourly wage. In 2026, such employers will have to pay them at least $59.96 per hour.
To qualify as an overtime-exempt worker, an employee must earn at least 2.25 times the minimum wage, or $80,168.40 annually, regardless of the size of the employer.
Tips and service charges not included in minimum wage
As per the state law, tips and service charges cannot be counted toward meeting an employer’s minimum wage obligations, meaning workers must receive the full minimum wage in addition to any tips they earn.
Workers who believe they have not been paid correctly, whether minimum wage, overtime, tips, or service charges, have the right to file a wage complaint with L&I. The agency also enforces protections against retaliation, ensuring that employers cannot punish employees for asserting their rights under the Minimum Wage Act.
These minimum wage standards are part of Washington’s broader effort to protect workers’ rights and keep wages aligned with economic realities, while also providing clarity and support for employers trying to comply with state labour laws.