In Washington, the first quarter of 2022, which included the regular legislative session, has included various updates and adjustments to Washington’s wage and hour and related reporting laws.
The following is a brief review of the key developments:
- Minimum Wage – As of January 1, 2022, Washington’s minimum wage is $14.49 per hour, up from $13.69 per hour in 2021. Two local jurisdictions (Seattle and SeaTac) have higher minimum wages and different labor rules than Washington State. Seattle’s minimum wage is $17.27 per hour for large employers with at least 501 employees. For small employers in Seattle with up to 500 employees, the minimum wage is the same, unless the employer pays $1.52 per hour toward medical benefits or the employee earns $1.52 per hour in tips; then, the minimum wage is only $15.75 per hour. SeaTac’s minimum wage is $17.54 per hour, but it applies only to certain hospitality and transportation workers.
- Exempt Salary Threshold – Since 2020, the salary thresholds for overtime exempt workers are a multiplier of Washington’s minimum wage for a 40-hour workweek. As a result of the minimum wage increase, the salary threshold for all businesses as of January 1, 2022, is $52,743.60 per year or $1,014.30 per week.
- Noncompete Agreement Earnings Threshold – Under Washington’s non-competition law, only employees or independent contractors who earn more than the threshold established by law can be held to non-competition agreements. Each year, the Washington...
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