Washington’s minimum wage will rise 2.8 percent next year, to $17.13 an hour. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced the increase this week; it takes effect January 1st, 2026.
State law requires L&I to calculate the minimum wage for the coming year using the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. L&I compares the Consumer Price Index from August of the previous year to August of the current year to determine if a change is needed. L&I adjusts the minimum wage based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index.
Washington’s current state minimum wage of $16.66 is the highest in the nation. Local governments can set minimum wages higher than the state. Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien, and unincorporated King County currently all have higher minimum wages. The federal minimum wage remains $7.25 an hour.
