Washington minimum wage 2026–2027: $17.13 now, $17.73 on January 1, 2027
Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $9.88 more than the federal $7.25. The next change is on January 1, 2027: $17.73 an hour (+$0.60, 3.5%), announced by the state. 3.5% CPI-W increase.
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Washington minimum wage pay calculator
Washington minimum wage rates
| Who | Rate | From | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most workers (state rate) | $17.13 | January 1, 2026 | official |
| Scheduled increase | $17.73 | January 1, 2027 | announcement |
| Tipped workers (cash wage) | $17.13 (full wage) | now | official |
When does the Washington minimum wage go up?
The next change is on January 1, 2027: $17.73 an hour (+$0.60, 3.5%), announced by the state. 3.5% CPI-W increase. Adjusted each January 1 by the CPI-W; L&I announces by September 30.
Tipped workers in Washington
Washington does not allow a tip credit: tipped workers – servers, bartenders, hotel and salon staff – must be paid the full $17.13 an hour before tips, and tips are on top.
Who is covered, and who can be paid less
14- and 15-year-olds may be paid 85% of the minimum wage ($15.07 in 2027). Jobs covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act never get less than $7.25.
City and county minimum wages in Washington
These places set their own, higher rate; inside their limits it replaces the state rate.
| Place | Now | Next | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $21.30since January 1, 2026 | $22.14 · January 1, 2027 | city |
| Tukwila | $21.65since January 1, 2026 | – | city |
| BurienLarge employers; smaller employers $20.63 | $21.63since January 1, 2026 | – | city |
| RentonLarge employers | $21.57since July 1, 2026 | – | city |
| Unincorporated King CountyLargest employers; lower tiers for smaller ones | $20.82since January 1, 2026 | – | city |
| EverettLarge employers | $20.77since January 1, 2026 | – | city |
| SeaTacHospitality and transportation workers | $20.74since January 1, 2026 | – | city |
| Bellingham | $19.13since January 1, 2026 | – | city |
Washington minimum wage history
On January 1, 2020 the Washington minimum wage was $13.50; today it is $17.13 – up $3.63, or 26.9%.
| January 1 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $13.50 | $13.69 | $14.49 | $15.74 | $16.28 | $16.66 | $17.13 |
How Washington compares
Washington ranks 2nd of the 50 states and D.C. The average statewide minimum wage is $11.53; Washington's $17.13 is $5.60 above it. Neighbors: Idaho $7.25, Oregon $14.55–$16.80.
Overtime and pay rules
Overtime: Over 40 hours a week, at one and a half times the regular rate. A full-time week at the minimum wage pays $685.20; with 5 overtime hours it is $813.67.
Good to know
- Washington does not allow a tip credit (DOL tipped table).
Where to get help
The minimum wage in Washington is enforced by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries; wage claims: lni.wa.gov. The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division takes complaints in every state at 1-866-487-9243, and your name is kept confidential.
Not confirmed yet: Local Washington rates other than Seattle are 2026 figures from L&I's local list; their 2027 rates were not checked.
Washington minimum wage questions
What is the minimum wage in Washington right now?
$17.13 an hour for most adult workers. Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 an hour, in force since January 1, 2026 – $9.88 more than the federal $7.25.
What will the Washington minimum wage be in 2027?
$17.73 an hour from January 1, 2027 – announced by the state.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Washington?
Washington does not allow a tip credit: tipped workers – servers, bartenders, hotel and salon staff – must be paid the full $17.13 an hour before tips, and tips are on top.
How much is the Washington minimum wage per year?
At $17.13 an hour and 40 hours a week, $685.20 a week, about $2,969 a month and $35,630 a year before taxes. At the 2027 rate of $17.73: $36,878 a year.
Do cities in Washington have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. Seattle: $21.30 ($22.14 from January 1, 2027); Tukwila: $21.65; Burien: $21.63; Renton: $21.57; Unincorporated King County: $20.82; Everett: $20.77; SeaTac: $20.74; Bellingham: $19.13. Inside those limits the local rate applies.
Where do I report unpaid minimum wage in Washington?
With the Washington Department of Labor & Industries – or with the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (1-866-487-9243). Keep your pay stubs and a record of your hours.
Other states
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division – State Minimum Wage Laws, Consolidated Minimum Wage Table and Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026 editions), the DOL's history table, and each state's and city's own labor department pages, linked on every state page. Checked October 16, 2026. Rates are for most adult, non-exempt workers; some jobs, industries and employers are exempt or have other rates. This is general information, not legal advice – the state labor department has the final word.