Washington Minimum Wage 2026: $17.13/hr
Last updated: July 31, 2026 — Source: Washington Department of Labor
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.
Quick 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.
Minimum Wage
$17.13
per hour
Tipped Wage
No tip credit
Full minimum wage required
Effective Date
January 1, 2026
How Washington compares
State vs Federal
+$9.88
vs the federal $7.25 minimum (+136.3%)
State Rate
$17.13
per hour
National Rank
#2
of 51 jurisdictions
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
Washington requires overtime at 1.5x for hours over 40 per week. Washington has a higher salary threshold for overtime exemptions ($1,302.40/week in 2026 for large employers).
Additional Information
Washington has the highest statewide minimum wage. Adjusts annually for CPI. No tip credit allowed — tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage. Several cities set higher local rates, including Seattle at $21.30/hr effective January 1, 2026.