Minimum Wage in Washington (WA)
The minimum wage in Washington is $16.66 per hour , effective January 1, 2025. This is $9.41 (129.79%) above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. The tipped minimum wage is $16.66 per hour. Washington does not allow a tip credit — tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage. Some cities in Washington have higher local minimum wages, with Seattle at $20.76/hr. Washington adjusts minimum wage annually based on CPI. No tip credit. One of the highest state minimum wages in the nation.
Minimum Wage by City in Washington
Some cities in Washington have enacted local minimum wage ordinances above the state rate. The table below shows minimum wages for 10 cities, sorted by rate. Workers should check whether their city has a local rate, as the highest applicable rate always applies.
| City | Minimum Wage | Annual (Full-Time) | vs. State Rate | vs. Federal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Local Rate | $20.76/hr | $43,181 | +$4.10 | +$13.51 |
| Tukwila Local Rate | $20.29/hr | $42,203 | +$3.63 | +$13.04 |
| Renton Local Rate | $20.29/hr | $42,203 | +$3.63 | +$13.04 |
| SeaTac Local Rate | $19.71/hr | $40,997 | +$3.05 | +$12.46 |
| Burien Local Rate | $19.71/hr | $40,997 | +$3.05 | +$12.46 |
| Bellingham Local Rate | $17.28/hr | $35,942 | +$0.62 | +$10.03 |
| Tacoma | $16.66/hr | $34,653 | Same | +$9.41 |
| Spokane | $16.66/hr | $34,653 | Same | +$9.41 |
| Olympia | $16.66/hr | $34,653 | Same | +$9.41 |
| Everett | $16.66/hr | $34,653 | Same | +$9.41 |
How Washington Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Washington with five states that have similar minimum wage rates. This comparison helps illustrate where Washington stands nationally.
| State | Minimum Wage | Tipped Wage | Annual Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington (WA) | $16.66/hr | $16.66/hr | $34,653 |
| California (CA) | $16.50/hr | $16.50/hr | $34,320 |
| Connecticut (CT) | $16.35/hr | $6.38/hr | $34,008 |
| District of Columbia (DC) | $17.50/hr | $10.00/hr | $36,400 |
| New York (NY) | $15.50/hr | $10.65/hr | $32,240 |
| New Jersey (NJ) | $15.49/hr | $5.62/hr | $32,219 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington Minimum Wage
What is the minimum wage in Washington in 2026?
The minimum wage in Washington is $16.66 per hour as of January 1, 2025. This is $9.41 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25. A full-time worker at this rate earns approximately $34,653 per year before taxes.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Washington?
The tipped minimum wage in Washington is $16.66 per hour. Washington does not allow a tip credit, meaning tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage regardless of tips.
Do any cities in Washington have a higher minimum wage?
Yes. 6 cities have local minimum wage above the state rate. The highest is Seattle at $20.76/hr. When a city has a higher rate, employers must pay whichever rate is highest.
How much does a minimum wage worker earn per year in Washington?
A full-time minimum wage worker in Washington (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) earns approximately $34,653 per year before taxes. In Seattle, that figure rises to $43,181 per year. The federal minimum wage yields $15,080/year.
Find Your Exact Minimum Wage
Use our minimum wage lookup tool to find the exact rate for your specific city in Washington, or browse all 50 states to compare minimum wages across the country. Remember: the highest applicable rate (federal, state, or local) always applies.