💵 Money › Minimum wage 2027 › Washington minimum wage 2027
Checked Oct 19, 2026Washington Minimum Wage 2027: $17.73 an Hour
By The Trends Incoming team · Published Oct 19, 2026 · Last updated Oct 19, 2026
Washington keeps its crown: the minimum wage rises from $17.13 to $17.73 an hour on January 1, 2027, the highest statewide rate in the country. L&I announced the 3.5% raise on September 30, 2026. Full time, that's about $24 more a week and $1,248 a year.
| Jan 1, 2027 rate | $17.73 OFFICIAL |
|---|---|
| 2026 rate | $17.13 |
| Ages 14 and 15 | $15.07 (85% of the minimum) |
| Full-time weekly pay (40 hrs) | $685.20 now, $709.20 in 2027 |
| Overtime-exempt salary, 51+ employees | $1,773.00 a week ($92,196.00 a year), 2.5x the minimum |
| Overtime-exempt salary, up to 50 employees | $1,595.70 a week ($82,976.40 a year), 2.25x the minimum |
| Tips | Can't be used toward the minimum wage |
🏙️ Local rates
Some Washington cities set higher minimums than the state, so check your city's rate too. The higher one applies.
📅 How it's set
L&I adjusts the rate every year using the CPI-W inflation index, announces it on September 30 and makes it effective January 1.
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Quick answers
What is Washington's minimum wage in 2027?
$17.73 an hour from January 1, 2027, per the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
What is the minimum wage for 14 and 15 year olds in Washington in 2027?
$15.07 an hour, which is 85% of the adult minimum.
What is the overtime-exempt salary in Washington for 2027?
For employers with 51 or more workers, $1,773.00 a week ($92,196.00 a year). For employers with up to 50 workers, $1,595.70 a week ($82,976.40 a year).
Can Washington employers use tips toward minimum wage?
No. Tips and service charges can't count toward the hourly minimum.
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Sources
By The Trends Incoming team · Fact-checked Oct 19, 2026. Dates and rates change, so double-check with the official source.