Starting January 1, 2027, Washington's minimum wage is $17.73 per hour, up from $17.13. Workers aged 14 and 15 may be paid 85 percent of that, or $15.07. Overtime-exempt employees must earn at least $1,773.00 a week at employers with 51 or more employees and $1,595.70 a week at employers with 50 or fewer.
In This Guide
What changes on January 1, 2027
The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced on September 30, 2026 that the state minimum wage will rise 3.5 percent to $17.73 an hour. The current rate is $17.13, so the increase is $0.60 an hour. The new rate takes effect January 1, 2027. The full details are in L&I news release 26-17.
State law requires L&I to set the rate each year using the CPI-W. L&I compares the index from August of the previous year to August of the current year and moves the wage by that percentage.
| Item | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| State minimum wage | $17.13 | $17.73 |
| Workers aged 14 and 15 (85 percent) | $14.56 | $15.07 |
Washington does not allow a tip credit. Tipped employees must be paid at least $17.73 an hour before tips.
Young workers
Employers may pay 14- and 15-year-old workers 85 percent of the minimum wage. In 2027 that is $15.07 an hour, up from $14.56.
Salary thresholds for exempt employees
This is the part of the 2027 change most likely to catch employers out. L&I sets the minimum salary for overtime-exempt workers as a multiple of the minimum wage. The multiple depends on employer size.
Employers with 51 or more employees currently use 2.25 times the minimum wage. On January 1, 2027 that multiplier rises to 2.5. An exempt employee at a large employer must earn at least $1,773.00 a week, or $92,196.00 a year. L&I says the multiplier is not scheduled to go above 2.5.
Employers with up to 50 workers stay at 2.25 in 2027. Their exempt employees must earn at least $1,595.70 a week, or $82,976.40 a year. The small business multiplier is not scheduled to reach 2.5 until 2028.
Exempt computer professionals may be paid by the hour instead of a salary. That hourly rate is 3.5 times the minimum wage for any size employer. In 2027 it is $62.06, which is $2.10 more than this year.
Salary alone does not make a job exempt. The duties still have to qualify.
Local minimum wages
Local governments in Washington can set higher minimums. L&I lists Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien and unincorporated King County as places that currently pay more than the state rate. If you have staff in any of them, pay the higher local rate.
Pay periods that cross January 1
The new rate applies to hours worked on or after January 1, 2027. It does not depend on the pay date. If a pay period starts in December and ends in January, split the hours. Pay the December hours at the 2026 rate and the January hours at $17.73.
Paying the whole period at the new rate is also allowed, and it is simpler. Paying the January hours at the old rate is not.
What to do before January 1
- Raise covered employees' hourly rates below $17.73, and every 14- or 15-year-old's rate below $15.07. Apply the new rates to hours worked on or after January 1, 2027.
- Check each exempt salary against the threshold for your employer size. A large employer may need to raise salaries or reclassify staff as non-exempt and start tracking hours.
- Count your employees. The exempt salary rule turns on whether you have 51 or more.
- Replace your minimum wage poster with the 2027 version from L&I once it is available.
- Budget for the change. Include overtime, which rises with the base rate, and employer payroll taxes.
For the rates in effect through December 31, 2026, see our Washington minimum wage 2026 guide. For withholding and filing rules, see the Washington payroll compliance guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Washington minimum wage in 2027?
Starting January 1, 2027, Washington's minimum wage is $17.73 per hour, up 3.5 percent from $17.13.
What is the 2027 minimum wage for 14- and 15-year-olds in Washington?
Employers may pay 14- and 15-year-old workers 85 percent of the minimum wage. In 2027 that is $15.07 an hour, up from $14.56.
What is the 2027 exempt salary threshold in Washington?
Employers with 51 or more employees must pay exempt workers at least $1,773.00 a week ($92,196.00 a year). Employers with 50 or fewer must pay at least $1,595.70 a week ($82,976.40 a year).
Do Washington cities have higher minimum wages?
Yes. Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien and unincorporated King County currently have higher minimum wages than the state. Employers there must pay the higher local rate.
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Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Washington wage laws change frequently — always verify current rates with the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) or consult a qualified employment attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Last reviewed: October 2026.