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Minimum Wage in Washington

Washington's minimum wage is $17.13 per hour in 2026 and rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027; tips cannot count toward the minimum wage.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Washington at a glance

Minimum wage (per hour)
$17.13
Applies to most workers. Some local jurisdictions set higher rates.
Tipped cash wage (per hour)
$17.13 (no tip credit)
Tips and service charges are paid in addition to, and may not count toward, the minimum wage.
Next scheduled increase
$17.73 on January 1, 2027
Adjusted every January 1 by the CPI-W; the department calculates the new rate each September 30.

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Washington

What is the minimum wage in Washington in 2026?

Minimum wage (per hour) in Washington: $17.13. Applies to most workers. Some local jurisdictions set higher rates.

What is the minimum cash wage for tipped employees in Washington?

Tipped cash wage (per hour) in Washington: $17.13 (no tip credit). Tips and service charges are paid in addition to, and may not count toward, the minimum wage.

When is the next minimum wage increase in Washington?

Next scheduled increase in Washington: $17.73 on January 1, 2027. Adjusted every January 1 by the CPI-W; the department calculates the new rate each September 30.

Where do the Washington minimum wage laws come from?

The rules above come from Wash. Rev. Code 49.46.020. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

What this means in practice

Check which rate applies before setting pay. Coverage rules, employer size thresholds, and exemptions for certain jobs or industries differ, and a local ordinance may require more than the state rate. The statute linked on each state page is the starting point.

Where a lower tipped cash wage is allowed, the employer usually must make up the difference whenever tips fall short of the full minimum wage for the pay period. Keeping accurate records of hours worked and tips reported helps show that every pay period met the minimum.

Rates can change on fixed dates, often January 1 or July 1, and some states adjust them each year for inflation. Reviewing pay rates, offer letters, and employment contracts ahead of each scheduled change helps avoid underpayment claims.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.