Washington Minimum Wage 2026
Washington’s minimum wage is $17.13 an hour in 2026, effective January 1, 2026. Full time at 40 hours a week for 52 weeks that is $35,630 a year before tax.
Washington minimum wage in 2026
The Washington basic minimum wage is $17.13 an hour, effective January 1, 2026.
Adjusted each year by the federal CPI-W under state law.
Next listed change: $17.73 an hour on January 1, 2027.
Rates were checked against Washington Department of Labor & Industries, minimum wage and the Department of Labor consolidated table on October 19, 2026.
From hourly to yearly pay
Yearly pay is the hourly rate times hours per week times 52. At $17.13 that is $35,630.40 for a 40-hour week. Part-time hours scale down: 30 hours a week is $26,722.80 a year. The calculator above starts at the minimum wage and shows the take-home after Washington tax. Change the hours or the rate to test another job.
Other tools: the Washington hourly to salary calculator, the Washington paycheck calculator, the overtime calculator, and the minimum wage by state table.
Seattle and other Washington cities with a higher minimum wage
Washington lets cities and counties set a higher minimum, and the more generous rate applies. In 2026 Seattle’s minimum is $21.30 an hour and Tukwila’s is $21.65, against the $17.13 state rate. The state rate rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027 ($15.07 for workers aged 14 and 15). Each city defines employer size its own way, so check the city rule before relying on a tier. Source: Washington L&I, local minimum wage rates.
To see what a local rate takes home after tax, type it into the calculator above or the Washington paycheck calculator.
| Period | Gross pay |
|---|---|
| Hourly | $17.13 |
| Time and a half (overtime) | $25.70 |
| Weekly | $685.20 |
| Every two weeks | $1,370.40 |
| Twice a month | $1,484.60 |
| Monthly | $2,969.20 |
| Yearly (2,080 hours) | $35,630.40 |
| Line | Per year |
|---|---|
| Gross pay | $35,630.40 |
| Federal income tax | $2,095.60 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $2,725.72 |
| Washington state tax and payroll programs | $494.25 |
| Take-home pay | $30,314.83 |
| Place | Hourly | Full-time year |
|---|---|---|
| Washington minimum wage | $17.13 | $35,630 |
| Oregon minimum wage | $15.55 | $32,344 |
| Idaho minimum wage | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| California minimum wage | $16.90 | $35,152 |
| Federal minimum wage | $7.25 | $15,080 |
| City or county | Hourly | Full-time year | Who it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $19.13 | $39,790 | All employers |
| Burien | $21.78 | $45,302 | 501+ employees; $20.78 for 16 to 500, $19.28 for 15 or fewer |
| Everett | $20.77 | $43,201 | More than 500 employees in Washington; $18.77 then $19.77 (from July 1) for 15 to 499; 14 or fewer not covered |
| King County (unincorporated) | $20.82 | $43,305 | More than 500 employees; lower tiers for smaller employers |
| Renton | $21.57 | $44,865 | More than 500 employees; $20.57 then $21.57 (from July 1) for 15 to 500; 14 or fewer not covered |
| SeaTac | $20.74 | $43,139 | Hospitality and transportation employers |
| Seattle | $21.30 | $44,304 | All employers |
| Tukwila | $21.65 | $45,032 | Employers with 15+ employees worldwide or over $2 million in Tukwila revenue, and large franchise networks |
Keep reading
Questions
What is the minimum wage in Washington in 2026?
$17.13 an hour, effective January 1, 2026.
How much is the Washington minimum wage per year?
At $17.13 an hour, 40 hours a week and 52 weeks (2,080 hours), gross pay is $35,630.40 a year, $2,969.20 a month, or $1,370.40 every two weeks, before tax.
How much is minimum wage take-home pay in Washington?
For a single filer on a blank 2020 W-4 with no benefits, about $1,165.96 every two weeks, or $30,314 a year after federal tax, Social Security, Medicare and Washington state tax.
Is the Washington minimum wage going up?
The state source lists $17.73 an hour effective January 1, 2027. Check Washington Department of Labor & Industries, minimum wage before relying on a future rate.
Can a city or county set a higher minimum wage?
This page lists the statewide rate only. Local governments in some states set higher rates, so check with your city, county, or the state labor department if you work in a large metro area.