Washington · Checked October 25, 2026
Washington minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The Washington minimum wage is $17.13 an hour. Next: $17.73 from January 1, 2027.
Minimum wage
Washington: $17.13 an hour. Seattle and some other cities are higher.
Coming up: $17.73 on January 1, 2027 ($15.07 for ages 14 and 15).
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: Full minimum wage (no tip credit). Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek, the federal rule. Washington does not add a daily overtime rule.
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | End of the next pay period |
|---|---|
| Quits | End of the next pay period |
| Law | Wash. Rev. Code 49.48.010 |
Take-home pay in Washington
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and Washington taxes with the Washington paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- Washington Department of Labor and Industries 2027 rate, reported by OPB (Oct 2, 2026)
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Washington?
$17.13 an hour as of October 25, 2026. Seattle and some other cities are higher.
Is the Washington minimum wage going up in 2027?
$17.73 on January 1, 2027 ($15.07 for ages 14 and 15).
When is a final paycheck due in Washington?
If fired or laid off: end of the next pay period. If the employee quits: end of the next pay period.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.