Minimum wage - Washington

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

The federal minimum wage provisions are contained in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Many states also have minimum wage laws. In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages.

Effective January 1, 2026, the minimum wage for Washington employee is $17.13 per hour.

Effective January 1, 2025, the minimum wage for Washington employees is $16.66 per hour.

Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage for Washington employees is $16.28 per hour.

Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage for Washington employees is $15.74 per hour.

The minimum wage will thereafter increase annually on January 1 based on the Consumer Price Index.

However, 14- and 15-year-olds may be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage.

Effective January 1, 2026, this is $14.56 per hour.

Effective January 1, 2025, this is $14.16 per hour.

Effective January 1, 2024, this is $13.84 per hour.

Effective January 1, 2023, this is $13.38 per hour.

State

Contact

Washington Department of Labor and Industries Specialty Compliance Services Division

Regulations

Revised Code of Washington; Chapter 49.46 RCW - Minimum Wage Act

RCW 49.46.020 - Minimum hourly wage.

Federal

Contact

The Department of Labor is the federal agency that monitors hours worked.

Regulations

U.S. labor regulations for minimum wage can be found in CFR 29 Part 531 and FLSA.