Washingtons minimum wage going up to 17.13 an hour in 2026
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced a 2. 8% increase in the minimum wage, raising it to $17. 13 per hour effective January 1, 2026. This adjustment follows the state law requiring wage calculations based on the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. Washington's current minimum wage is the highest in the U.
S. , with cities like Seattle implementing even higher rates. For 2026, overtime exempt workers must earn at least 2. 25 times the minimum wage, translating to a weekly salary of $1,541. 70.
Young workers aged 14-15 will earn 85% of the minimum wage, setting their rate at $14. 56. Additionally, the minimum pay for rideshare drivers will rise, with those in Seattle earning at least 70 cents per passenger platform minute and $1. 63 per mile. The new minimum salary threshold for non-compete clauses will be $126,858.
83 for employees and $317,147. 09 for independent contractors. The Department of Labor & Industries also investigates wage complaints, ensuring compliance with state wage-and-hour laws.