Blog · Payroll Management
Washington Minimum Wage 2026: Rates & Rules
Washington's 2026 statewide minimum wage is $17.13 per hour, adjusted annually by formula, per the U.S. Department of Labor.
Washington layers city-level minimums on top of the state rate, mandates paid sick leave, and runs a state Paid Family and Medical Leave program, making it one of the more complex states for payroll compliance. Employers need to track the correct rate by work location and the state's leave requirements together.
Washington Minimum Wage Rate Table
| Jurisdiction | 2026 Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Washington (statewide) | $17.13 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25 |
| Washington (scheduled change) | Adjusted annually by formula |
| Seattle and other cities | Higher local minimums apply; confirm current local rate |
Overtime Rules in Washington
Washington requires overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, at 1.5x the employee's regular rate. There is no daily overtime trigger under Washington law.
Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave
Washington mandates paid sick leave for employees statewide. Washington also runs a state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, funded through payroll premiums shared between employers and employees, providing paid time off for qualifying family and medical events.
Tipped Wages and Local Ordinances
Washington does not allow a tip credit against the minimum wage; tipped employees must be paid the full minimum wage before tips. Seattle and other cities set higher local minimums, so employers must confirm the applicable rate for each work location. Rules change, so always verify current requirements with the state labor office contacts before setting pay rates.
What This Means for Payroll Compliance
Between the annual wage adjustment, city-level minimums like Seattle's, mandatory paid sick leave, and PFML premium administration, Washington payroll compliance involves several interlocking pieces. Getting even one wrong, whether it is the local minimum wage or the PFML withholding rate, exposes the business to back-wage claims and penalties.
This is exactly the kind of complexity BEG's managed payroll service is built to absorb. We track rate changes, local ordinances, and leave program requirements in every state where you have employees and apply them automatically, so nothing slips through.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Washington in 2026?
Washington's statewide minimum wage in 2026 is $17.13 per hour, per the U.S. Department of Labor. The rate is adjusted annually by formula, and Seattle and other cities set higher local minimums.
Is Seattle's minimum wage higher than the state rate?
Yes. Seattle and some other Washington cities set local minimum wages above the $17.13 statewide rate. Employers must pay whichever rate is higher for the specific work location.
Does Washington have its own overtime law?
Yes. Washington requires overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek, at 1.5x the employee's regular rate.
Does Washington require paid sick leave and paid family leave?
Yes. Washington mandates paid sick leave for employees and runs a state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program funded through payroll premiums.
What should multi-state employers with Washington workers watch for?
Because Washington's rate adjusts annually and cities like Seattle set higher local minimums, multi-state employers should confirm the correct rate by work location each year, along with PFML premium obligations.
Related Resources
Anthony leads payroll solutions at Business Executive Group, a national managed payroll firm serving businesses across industries. BEG manages payroll at $25-$45 PEPM, all-inclusive, with deep expertise in compliance, multi-state filing, and industry-specific payroll requirements. Get instant pricing at beghr.com.
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