Current minimum wage in Washington
Washington has the highest minimum wage of any state at $17.13 an hour in 2026, rising to $17.73 on January 1, 2027. Tip credits are not allowed, and cities such as Seattle, SeaTac and Tukwila set even higher local rates.
The rate rose from $16.66 (effective January 1, 2025) to $17.13 on January 1, 2026, an increase of $0.47 an hour or $978 a year for a full-time worker.
Next scheduled change
Rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027 after the annual inflation adjustment.
Tipped minimum wage
Washington does not allow employers to take a tip credit. Tipped workers earn the full $17.13 an hour before tips. Washington does not allow a tip credit, so tipped workers must be paid the full $17.13 an hour before tips.
What minimum wage pays in Washington
| Hours per week | Weekly pay | Yearly pay |
|---|---|---|
| 20 hours | $342.60 | $17,815 |
| 25 hours | $428.25 | $22,269 |
| 30 hours | $513.90 | $26,723 |
| 35 hours | $599.55 | $31,177 |
| 40 hours | $685.20 | $35,630 |
After federal taxes, a full-time minimum wage worker who files single keeps about $30,315 a year, or $1,166 per biweekly check. Run your own numbers with the Washington paycheck calculator or see the full breakdown for $17 an hour.
Overtime rules
Follows the federal 40-hour weekly overtime rule.
City and county minimum wages
Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien and unincorporated King County set higher local minimums.
Exceptions and special rates
Workers aged 14 and 15 may be paid 85 percent of the state minimum, or $14.56 an hour.
How Washington compares
Washington ranks #2 of 51 for its minimum wage. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Washington in 2026?
The Washington minimum wage is $17.13 an hour as of January 1, 2026.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Washington?
Washington does not allow a tip credit, so tipped workers must be paid the full $17.13 minimum wage before tips. Washington does not allow a tip credit, so tipped workers must be paid the full $17.13 an hour before tips.
When does the Washington minimum wage go up next?
Rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027 after the annual inflation adjustment.
How much is minimum wage in Washington per year?
At $17.13 an hour, a 40-hour week pays $685 and a full year pays $35,630 before taxes. A single filer keeps about $30,315 after federal taxes.
How does overtime work in Washington?
Follows the federal 40-hour weekly overtime rule.