Washington Minimum Wage Calculator
The Washington minimum wage is $16.66/hour. Estimate your take-home pay at minimum wage below.
What is the minimum wage in Washington?
The Washington minimum wage is $16.66 per hour, which is above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour. Employers in Washington must pay at least the state rate, since state law sets a higher floor than the federal minimum.
Does my city in Washington matter too?
Some cities and counties within Washington may set their own local minimum wage that's higher than the statewide rate shown here. This calculator reflects the statewide minimum; check your specific city or county ordinance for the most accurate local figure.
Minimum wage rates are updated periodically — treat these figures as an estimate and confirm the current rate with Washington's labor department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Washington?
The current Washington minimum wage is $16.66 per hour. Use the calculator above to see what that means for your weekly, monthly, and annual pay based on your hours worked.
Is Washington's minimum wage above the federal minimum wage?
Yes. Washington's minimum wage of $16.66/hour is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour, so employers in Washington must pay the higher state rate.
How much do you make a year at minimum wage in Washington?
Working 40 hours a week at Washington's minimum wage of $16.66/hour comes to about $34,653 a year before taxes. Adjust your hours in the calculator above for a more precise figure.
Can cities in Washington set a higher minimum wage than the state?
In many cases, yes. Some cities and counties within Washington can pass local ordinances setting a minimum wage above the statewide rate shown here. Always check your specific city or county for the most accurate local minimum wage before relying on the statewide figure.
Do tipped workers in Washington get the full minimum wage?
In many states, employers can pay tipped workers a lower "tipped minimum wage" as long as tips bring total hourly earnings up to at least Washington's standard minimum wage of $16.66/hour. A smaller number of states require the full minimum wage regardless of tips — check Washington's specific labor rules for tipped employees.
Is minimum wage enough to live on in Washington?
For most households, a single minimum-wage income of about $34,653 a year falls short of covering typical living costs like rent and groceries, particularly in higher cost-of-living areas of Washington. This is a key reason many states have raised their minimum well above the federal $7.25 rate.
How often does Washington's minimum wage change?
It depends on state law — some states raise their minimum wage automatically each year based on inflation, while others require new legislation for any increase. Check Washington's department of labor for the latest scheduled increases.
How does Washington's minimum wage compare to other states?
At $16.66/hour, Washington is among the higher minimum-wage states in the country, well above the federal floor of $7.25/hour.