Minimum Wage Everett, WA - Official Website

In a significant move towards improving labor standards, Everett voters approved Initiative 24-01 during the November 2024 General Election, which sets a new minimum wage of $20. 24 per hour for large employers, starting on July 1, 2025. This initiative addresses the inadequacy of the current statewide minimum wage of $16. 28, which has proven insufficient for residents facing increasing living costs. The ordinance aims to ensure that employees in Everett receive fair wages and sufficient work hours, promoting economic stability for working families.

The initiative is particularly pressing, given that a worker earning the current minimum wage would need to work 77 hours a week to afford a modest one-bedroom rental. To further safeguard employee interests, the new law requires annual adjustments to the minimum wage based on inflation, ensuring that wage growth keeps pace with the cost of living. The city will also publish the applicable minimum wage for the upcoming year, enhancing transparency and accountability. This initiative aligns Everett with neighboring cities like Seattle and SeaTac, which have already enacted higher minimum wages. Overall, this move is a proactive step towards ensuring economic fairness and improving the quality of life for workers in the city.