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Minimum wageWashington statePaid sick leaveOvertime exempt workersSeattleGig workersNegligent drivingSouthern Resident orcaSEATTLE — With the arrival of 2025 comes a flurry of new laws taking effect.
These are some of the key laws to know about this year.
The minimum wage in Washington has risen to $16.66, up 2.35% from $16.28 last year. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) sets the minimum wage.
“Beginning mid-September each year, L&I will make a cost-of-living adjustment to the minimum wage based on the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Worker,” L&I said on its website. “The new minimum wage will be announced on Sept. 30, and take effect Jan. 1.”
Employers may pay 85% of the minimum wage, $14.16 per hour, to workers ages 14 and 15.
Some cities and municipalities have set higher minimum wages than Washington state. Seattle's minimum wage is now $20.29 per hour for 2025.
READ MORE | Seattle restaurants brace for price hikes as minimum wage rises and tip credit ends
Salaried employees made a large jump with the calendar turning to 2025.
For employers with 50 or fewer employees, workers will earn a minimum of $1,332.80 a week ($69,305.60 a year).
For employers with 51 or more employees, workers will now bring in a minimum of $1,499.40 a week ($77,968.80 a year).
This covers employees who are exempt from overtime pay, so workers who are not paid...
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