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Minimum Wage in Washington



What is the Minimum Wage in Washington?

Minimum wage in Washington applies to employees in both non-agricultural and agricultural jobs; however, 14 and 15 year-olds may be paid 85% of the minimum wage in Washington. The minimum wage in Washington, which officially changed in January 1st of 2012, is $9.04. This figure is almost 25% of the federal minimum wage level. 

The United States federal government has adopted a minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. This wage will increase over-time. Federal law declares that the minimum level a state can pay an employee is this wage ($7.25). States may institute a higher minimum wage; however, no state may institute a minimum wage rate below the $7.25 figure. 

Minimum wage in Washington is the highest in the nation. In addition to this law, employers are required to post the “Your Rights as a Worker” poster in a visible area within the workplace. This poster offers information concerning minimum wage in Washington and other topics connected to employee rights. 

Who must be Paid Minimum Wage in Washington?

The minimum wage in Washington must be paid to workers in agricultural and non-agricultural jobs. Although there are exempt employees from minimum wage levels in Washington, most workers must be paid at least this figure for all “hours worked” as required by state law. The number of hours worked includes training, meetings and opening and closing the business. Any time spent by the worker during the performance of these duties must be paid accordingly. 

Are Tips Included in the Minimum Wage in Washington?

No, a business cannot count workers’ tips to make sure they are paid the minimum wage in Washington. Businesses are not allowed—according to minimum wage in WA—to count tips as credit towards the minimum wage in WA 

Why and When Does Minimum Wage in Washington Change and how is it Calculated?

According to minimum wage in Washington, initiative 688 requires the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to make a cost-of-living adjustment to minimum wage WA levels for each year according to the federal Consumer Price Index for Clerical Workers Urban Wage Earners. This minimum wage in WA law ensures that all citizens earn enough to survive. The CPI measures—an essential tool for determining minimum wage in WA--the average fluctuations in prices on fixed groups of goods and services such as shelter, food, transportation, medical care and other goods and services purchased by the general population on a day-to-ay basis. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries recalculates the minimum wage in WA every September and it places it into effect the following year on January 1st. Minimum wage in WA is the highest in the nation. The second highest minimum wage level—outside of the minimum wage in WA--is sported by Oregon at $8.80. 

What is the Primary Difference between Minimum Wage in Washington and the Federal Minimum Wage Level?

The United States Federal Department of Labor minimum wage is $7.25 per hour (significantly lower than the minimum wage in WA). In states that establish minimum wage rates different from federal law, the higher rate is instituted (such as the minimum wage in WA). The bulk of employers in Washington are subject to both state and federal minimum wage and overtime laws. The consequence of this dual coverage is that the employer must follow the higher level. 

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