Washington Minimum Wage 2026 and 2027

As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in Washington is $17.13 per hour, in effect since January 1, 2026. It is set by Revised Code of Washington 49.46.020 and administered by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).

Maintained by Archie Chang · Rates and sources checked October 16, 2026 · Methodology & sources

Current rate (October 16, 2026)

$17.13

in effect since January 1, 2026

2027 rate

$17.73

Effective January 1, 2027

Compared with federal $7.25

$9.88 higher

Federal and state rules both apply

Washington minimum wage in 2027

$17.73 per hour from January 1, 2027, up $0.60 (3.5 percent).

L&I announced $17.73 for January 1, 2027, a 3.5 percent increase. Minors aged 14 to 15 may be paid $15.07.

L&I adjusts the rate every January 1 for the August-to-August change in the CPI-W and announces it by September 30.

Regional and local rates in Washington

Seattle, SeaTac and several other cities and parts of King County set higher local minimums.

Cities and counties may set higher local minimums where state law allows it. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies.

What changed in Washington

The $17.13 rate has been in effect since January 1, 2026 and did not change during 2026.

Washington minimum wage pay calculator

Weekly pay
$685.20
Monthly pay
$2,969.20
Yearly pay
$35,630.40
Overtime rate (1.5x)
$25.70 per hour

Gross pay before taxes at $17.13 per hour in Washington, paid straight time for every hour you enter. Overtime rules differ by state and employee, so use the overtime calculator when you work more than 40 hours a week.

Working more than 40 hours? Try the overtime pay calculator. Paid for a holiday? Use the holiday pay calculator.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum wage in Washington in 2026?

As of October 16, 2026, the minimum wage in Washington is $17.13 per hour for most adult, non-tipped employees. The $17.13 rate has been in effect since January 1, 2026 and did not change during 2026.

Will the Washington minimum wage go up in 2027?

L&I announced $17.73 for January 1, 2027, a 3.5 percent increase. Minors aged 14 to 15 may be paid $15.07.

Does Washington have local minimum wages?

Seattle, SeaTac and several other cities and parts of King County set higher local minimums.

Not legal advice. This page covers the general hourly minimum for most adult, non-tipped employees. Tipped, youth, training, student, agricultural, small-employer and industry-specific wages follow different rules. Employers must pay the highest rate that applies, whether it is federal, state or local. Confirm your rate with your state labor agency or the U.S. Department of Labor.

Sources for Washington

Sources checked October 16, 2026.

Compare with similar states

See minimum wage in all 50 states and DC