On October 17, the King County Council’s Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee heard a presentation by Council staff on legislation that would establish a $18.99 per hour minimum wage with an annual inflation adjustment in unincorporated areas of the county. The current state minimum wage rate is $15.74 an hour.
Proposed Ordinance 2023-0310 would raise the minimum wage effective January 1, 2024, but would initially establish a lower wage standard for small businesses.
- For employers with 15 employees or less with an annual gross revenue of less than $2 million, a starting minimum wage $3.00 less. The reduction would decrease annually by $0.50 until no reduction is remaining, and
- For employers with 16 – 500 employees, a starting minimum wage $2.00 less. The reduction would decrease annually by $1.00 until no reduction is remaining.
The four King County Councilmembers sponsoring the minimum wage announced their intent to introduce it on September 6. Action on this proposed minimum wage standard has been deferred by the Council. We will keep you informed of further developments on this legislation.
