Beginning January 1, 2026, Washington’s minimum wage will rise to $17.13 per hour, a 2.8 percent increase from the current $16.66 rate, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). The annual adjustment is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, as required by state law.
Local governments may set higher minimum wages, and several cities already exceed the state rate, including Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila. The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 per hour.
The updated rate also affects overtime-exempt workers. In 2026, salaried employees classified as executive, administrative, or professional must earn at least 2.25 times the state minimum wage, or $1,541.70 weekly ($80,168.40 annually). Hourly computer professionals must earn at least $59.96 per hour to qualify for exemption.
Employers may pay workers aged 14–15 at 85 percent of the new minimum wage, or $14.56 per hour. Minimum pay rates for rideshare drivers will also increase, both within and outside Seattle.
More details about the updated wage rates, overtime rules, and related requirements are available on the L&I website.
