Washington Minimum Wage 2026: $17.13/hr

Washington workers must be paid at least $17.13 an hour, $9.88 above the federal $7.25 minimum.

Data updated September 26, 2026

Key facts for Washington

Minimum wage: $17.13/hr
In effect since: January 1, 2026
Tipped cash wage: No tip credit, full minimum
Compared with federal: +$9.88 vs the federal $7.25
Overtime: 1.5x after 40 hrs/week

Source

Rule: Washington minimum wage law
Published by: lni.wa.gov
Last updated: September 26, 2026

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The short answer

Washington's minimum wage is $17.13/hr in 2026, $9.88 above the federal $7.25 minimum , ranked #2 of 51 US jurisdictions.

How the Washington minimum wage works

In Washington, the minimum wage is $17.13 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Washington sets its own minimum wage, and no tip credit is allowed, so tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage of $17.13 per hour. Overtime is paid at 1.5× the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek. This reflects a state overtime law.

Washington has the highest statewide minimum wage. L&I adjusts it each year for inflation and announces the next year's rate on September 30. No tip credit is allowed, so tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage. Several cities set higher local rates.

How Washington compares

State rate: $17.13/hr
Federal minimum: $7.25/hr
Difference: +$9.88 (+136.3%)
National rank: #2 of 51

Ranked by 2026 effective minimum wage across all 51 U.S. states and jurisdictions. Federal comparison source: U.S. Department of Labor.

Washington overtime rules

Weekly overtime threshold: 40 hours (1.5x)
Governing law: State overtime law

Washington requires overtime at 1.5x for hours over 40 in a 7-day workweek, regardless of employer size. No daily overtime. In 2026, exempt salaried employees must earn at least $1,541.70/week ($80,168.40/year), 2.25 times the state minimum wage, for all employers.

Sources for this page

Washington minimum wage — state labor department lni.wa.gov
Washington overtime rules — state labor department lni.wa.gov
U.S. Department of Labor dol.gov

Minimum Wage · 5 min read Minimum Wage 2026: Federal Rate, All 50 States, and Your RightsThe federal minimum wage remains $7.25, unchanged since 2009. Check your state's 2026 minimum wage rate and find out what to do if you're being underpaid.