Multiple new laws took effect in Washington at the beginning of the year, including several that increased the minimum wage in various locations across the state.
Minimum Wage Increases at State and Local Levels
Washington state has the highest minimum wage in the country as of January 1, 2023. The state minimum wage is now $15.74 per hour, a $1.25 increase over last year’s minimum wage and more than double the federal minimum wage, which continues to sit at $7.25.
The new minimum wage rate applies to workers who are 16 years old and older. Employees who are 14 or 15 years old may be paid $13.38 per hour (85% of the state minimum wage).
Some cities in western Washington mandate higher minimum wages. In Seattle, the minimum wage owed to employees is based on employer size. Effective January 1, 2023, minimum wage rates in the city increased as follows:
| Employer Size | Minimum Wage |
| 501+ employees | $18.69/hour |
| 500 or fewer employees | $18.69/hour OR $16.50/hour if the employer pays $2.19/hour toward medical benefits or the employee earns $2.19/hour in tips |
The minimum wage required in Tukwila and SeaTac is even higher: In SeaTac, employees must earn at least $19.06 per hour. And, beginning in July 2023, Tukwila employees must earn at least $18.99 per hour.
Other Wage-Related Changes
In addition to increases in the minimum wage, a series of other wage-related changes to Washington law took effect this year. Specifically, agricultural employees’ overtime rights...
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