Washington's minimum wage rises to $17.73 in 2027, the highest in the nation
The 3.5% inflation increase takes effect January 1. Salaried workers at larger employers need at least $92,196 to be exempt from overtime.
Key numbers
- Minimum wage: $17.13 → $17.73 an hour
- Workers aged 14–15: $15.07 an hour
- Exempt salary (51+ employees): $92,196 a year
Washington's statewide minimum wage will rise by 60 cents to $17.73 an hour on January 1, 2027, the Department of Labor and Industries announced on September 30, 2026. The 3.5% increase follows the change in the federal CPI-W inflation index and keeps Washington's rate the highest of any state.
Take-home pay at the new rate
A full-time worker earning $17.73 makes about $36,878 a year before taxes. Washington has no state income tax, so only federal taxes, Paid Family and Medical Leave and the WA Cares premium come out of each check.
Young workers and salaried employees
Employers may pay 14- and 15-year-olds 85% of the minimum, or $15.07 an hour. To be exempt from overtime, salaried employees at businesses with 51 or more workers must earn at least $1,773 a week ($92,196 a year). At smaller employers the threshold is $1,595.70 a week ($82,976.40 a year).
Cities pay more
Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien and unincorporated King County all set higher local minimum wages. Workers there must be paid the higher local rate.
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