Because this is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25, employees in Washington must be paid at least $13.96 an hour. There are higher minimum wages in the City of Seattle and, for hospitality and transportation employers, in the City of SeaTac. The 19-cent increase is the first in four years that’s been determined by inflation instead of a voter-approved ballot measure. Workers who meet certain criteria (see below). The current Washington minimum wage of $13.69 per hour is the lowest amount a non-exempt employee in Washington can legally be paid for hourly work. Businesses may not use tips and service charges paid to an employee as part of an employee’s hourly minimum wage. Washington minimum wage laws permit employers to pay student workers a wage rate that is no less than 75 percent lower than the standard minimum wage if they have obtained a special certificate from Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries to do so. Certificated student workers and student learners (no less than 75% of minimum wage). Minimum Wage. The yearly earnings estimate of $28,475.20 is based on 52 standard 40-hour work weeks. You may be paid under the Washington minimum wage if you fit into one of the following categories: While Washington's state minimum wage is $13.69 per hour, there are localities that have set their own, higher minimum wages that apply to some or all employees within their jurisdictions. Minimum wage in Washington state is currently $13.69/hour. As of January 1, that is now $11.64 per hour. This site is a free public service not affiliated with the Department of Labor or any governmental organization. In Washington, a state known for soaring mountain peaks and skyscraping man-made wonders like the Seattle Space Needle, the minimum wage has gone to similar heights. The minimum wage in Washington is $13.96 an hour. You have the right to file a workplace rights complaint if you are owed: You also have the right to file a complaint if you feel your employer has retaliated against you. On January 1, 2016 minimum wage rose to $9.47 per hour based on inflation. Related locations The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and the Washington state minimum wage is $13.69 per hour. You are entitled to be paid the higher state minimum wage. The Washington minimum wage was last changed in 2008, when it was raised $5.62 from $8.07 to $13.69. Usage is subject to our Terms and Privacy Policy. The current minimum wage rate is re-evaluated yearly based on these values. Devon Gardner empties tater tots out of a fryer at Sugarfire Smoke House in Washington Wednesday, Dec. 30. The Washington Minimum Wage is the lowermost hourly rate that any employee in Washington can expect by law. They’ve been outspoken in their opposition to Mr. Biden‘s proposal to raise the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour, saying that struggling small businesses won’t be able to afford it. Subjecting the employee to discipline, including write-ups, verbal warnings, points, etc. All workers who put in over 40 weekly hours are entitled to a minimum wage of at least 1.5 times the regular applicable minimum wage (learn more about Washington overtime pay). Employers can also pay some workers less than the state minimum wage, including: Employers can apply for a sub-minimum wage certificate in the following areas: Starting in Sept. 2020, L&I will make a cost-of-living adjustment to the minimum wage based on the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Special minimum wage rates, such as the "Washington waitress minimum wage" for tipped employees, may apply to certain workers.[1]. Initiative 1433, approved by Washington voters in 2016, requires a statewide minimum wage of $11.00 in 2017, $11.50 in 2018, $12.00 in 2019, and $13.50 in 2020. 2020 Minimum Wage in DC: $14.00 per hour. The Washington minimum wage applies to workers age 16 and older. Additional Washington labor laws require all employees to be given one ten-minute paid break for every three hours of work, and one unpaid 30-minute meal period for shifts over 5 hours long. Treasury secretary nominee Janet Yellen previously backed a 2014 report which found that a $10.10 federal minimum wage could kill half a million jobs. Starting July 1, 2019, the Washington DC minimum wage was raised to $14.00 per hour and starting July 1, 2020, the wage will officially be $15. Presently, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and hasn't been changed in more than a decade. Certificated on-the-job learners (no less than 85% of minimum wage). See also: Hours worked includes opening and closing a business, required trainings, and meetings. The minimum wage for tipped workers is $11.00.. Last increase: $9.47 to $11.00, effective January 1, 2017 Next increase: $11.50, effective January 1, 2018 $12.00, effective January 1, 2019 $13.50, effective January 1, 2020 Annual indexing beginning January 1, 2021. 1 These earnings estimates do not account for the Washington income tax , federal income tax, or local/municipal income taxes. A couple of local governments in Washington have passed ordinances establishing a higher minimum wage. If you have read the FAQ and still cannot find the information you need, please contact us with your question. Some states require workers who work over a certain number of daily hours to be eligible for this overtime rate as well (Washington law does not specify a daily overtime limit). The minimum wage was previously raised 13 cents in 2014, 15 cents in 2013, and 37 cents in 2012. From 2008 through 2013, the Washington Minimum Wage was raised by over 14%. The federal minimum wage is currently $7.25 an hour and has not been increased in over a decade. The following is a table of all Washington localities with established minimum wage laws. The Minimum Wage Ordinance applies to overtime-eligible employees who work in Seattle. In place since: 2015. 2021 minimum wage announcement poster. If you have questions about the Washington minimum wage, please ask us and someone will respond to you as soon as possible. The 2021 Minimum Wage in the state of Washington is $13.69 per hour. In addition to any Washington-specific minimum wage exemptions described above, the Federal Fair Labor Standards act defines special minimum wage rates applicable to certain types of workers. The FLSA guarantees all WA employees adequate overtime compensation for all qualifying overtime hours worked. On Jan. 1, 2021, Missouri’s minimum wage will be … Washington is among other states that adjust their minimum wage to reflect the cost of living. Get a Washington all-in-one labor law poster, file an unpaid overtime claim with the Washington Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, For smaller employers (500 or less employees) the rate is, The weekly earnings estimate of $547.60 is based on a standard 40-hour workweek. There are legal minimum wages set by the federal government and the state government of Washington. OLS announces the upcoming year's minimum wage increase by September 30 of each year. Employees 14 - 15 years old can be paid 85% of the Washington minimum wage, currently $11.48 per hour. The minimum wage is the entry-level hourly wage paid to employees by their employer. Under the state law, however, employers can pay 85% of the minimum wage to workers aged 14 to 15. Washington's state minimum wage rate is $13.69 per hour. In 2015, Washington enjoyed the highest state minimum wage in the United States, however in 2016, several states and local municipalities have instituted higher minimum wages than Washington. For 2021, that will be $11.64 per hour. By July 1, 2021 the minimum wage in Chicago will reach $15, with Illinois eventually matching the rate statewide by 2025. Federal Minimum Wage | Increases in 18 states… The more generous minimum wage may apply in these localities: Most agricultural and non-agricultural jobs qualify for the minimum wage. While the coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has hit poor Americans the hardest, minimum wage earners in 20 U.S. states will get raises at the start of the new year. In Washington, trainees, interns, and tipped workers receive full minimum wage, tip credits are not allowed. The Washington minimum wage was last changed in 2008, when it was raised $5.62 from $8.07 to $13.69. 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