Minimum Wage in Washington Set to Rise: Bigger Paychecks Coming in 2026
- Author: Jeff Christiansen
- Posted: 2025-10-13
Starting January 1, 2026, workers in Washington will see a 2.8% minimum wage increase, raising the hourly rate to $17.13.
The adjustment, announced by the state’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), a key measure used to track inflation and rising living costs across the country.
This increase keeps Washington ahead of the pack with the highest minimum wage in the United States, outpacing the federal minimum wage of $7.25 that hasn’t changed since 2009.
Several cities, including Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien, and unincorporated King County, also enforce higher local wage floors, providing additional protection against inflation and cost-of-living spikes.
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Pay Changes for 2026
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Statewide minimum wage: $17.13 per hour (effective January 1, 2026)
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Local rates: Seattle and other cities remain higher than the state baseline
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Youth wage: Ages 14–15 can earn 85% of the minimum ($14.56/hour)
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App-based drivers (e.g., Uber, Lyft):
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Seattle: $0.70/min, $1.63/mile, or $6.12 minimum per trip
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Outside Seattle: $0.40/min, $1.38/mile, or $3.55 minimum per trip
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New Rules for Overtime-Exempt Employees
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Minimum salary: $1,541.70/week or $80,168.40/year.
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Computer professionals: at least $59.96/hour.
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Threshold multiplier set at 2.25× the minimum wage, increasing to 2.5× by 2028.
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Designed to protect income stability amid rising costs.
Non-Compete Salary Thresholds
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Employees: $126,858.83/year minimum for enforceable non-compete agreements.
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Independent contractors: $317,147.09/year.
Worker Protections
L&I will investigate wage and labor complaints, ensuring fair pay and compliance.
This adjustment comes at a time when inflation, rising costs, and higher consumer prices are putting pressure on workers and families.
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