Archive · 18 Dec 2025
Washington State Raises Minimum Wage
Washington State is raising its minimum wage.
In 2025, it will be $16.66 per hour, and in 2026, it will go up to $17.13 per hour.
This increase is to keep up with the cost of living and inflation.
Some cities in Washington, like Seattle and Bellingham, will also raise their minimum wages.
Certain workers, like computer professionals, have different rules for overtime pay.
Workers who think they are not being paid correctly can file a complaint.
The state wants to make sure workers are paid fairly and employers follow the rules.
Washington State's minimum wage will be $16.66 per hour in 2025 and $17.13 per hour in 2026.
Certain localities, including Seattle, Bellingham, and SeaTac, will also increase their minimum wages in 2026.
Overtime-exempt computer professionals must be paid at least 3.5 times the minimum wage, which will be $59.96 per hour in 2026.
To qualify as an overtime-exempt worker, an employee must earn at least 2.25 times the minimum wage, or $80,168.40 annually.
Tips and service charges cannot be counted toward meeting an employer’s minimum wage obligations.
- Who
- Washington State and certain localities
- What
- Increase in minimum wage
- When
- 2025 and 2026
- Where
- Washington State, including Seattle, Bellingham, Burien, Everett, Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila, and unincorporated King County
- Why
- To reflect cost-of-living adjustments and inflation
- Statewide Minimum Wage (2025)
- $16.66 per hour
- Statewide Minimum Wage (2026)
- $17.13 per hour
- 2026 Minimum Wage Increase
- 2.8%
- Overtime-Exempt Computer Professionals (2026)
- $59.96 per hour
- Annual Salary for Overtime-Exempt Workers (2026)
- $80,168.40