Washington’s minimum wage going up to $16.66 per hour in 2025 - Lynnwood Today

Washington State is set to increase its minimum wage to $16. 66 per hour starting in 2025, as announced by the Department of Labor & Industries. This adjustment, a 2. 35% increase over the 2024 wage, aims to help workers cope with rising costs of living. The decision reflects a growing trend among states to raise minimum wages, responding to inflation and economic challenges faced by low-income workers.

Local businesses have varied responses; while some support the increase for its potential to stimulate consumer spending, others worry about the financial burden it may impose on small enterprises. The new wage will affect all employees in Washington, including those in areas with higher existing minimums. Advocates for workers argue that this increase is crucial for ensuring fair compensation, especially in a state where living expenses continue to grow. As the 2025 implementation date approaches, discussions around the impact of this wage increase are expected to intensify. The move is seen as part of a broader commitment to economic justice and worker rights in Washington State.