Washington’s minimum wage is going up to $16.28 an hour next year, a 3.4% increase over 2023. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced the increase Friday. It takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Under state law, L&I calculates the minimum wage for the coming year based on the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). In making the calculation, L&I compares the CPI-W index from August of the previous year to August of the current year.

In 2023, Washington has the highest state-level minimum wage in the nation. The federal minimum wage remains set at $7.25 an hour.

Cities can set minimum wages higher than the state. Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila, have higher wages.

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The state minimum wage applies to workers age 16 and older. Under state law, employers can pay 85% of the minimum wage to workers ages 14-15. For 2024, the wage for that younger group will be $13.84 per hour.

More information about the minimum wage is available on L&I’s website, along with details about overtime, rest breaks, meal periods, and how to file a wage complaint. A poster with information about the 2024 minimum wage is also available in 15 different languages.

Employers and workers may also call 360-902-5316 or 1-866-219-7321 with questions.

The increase in the state minimum wage affects several areas for workers. See below for information regarding overtime exempt...

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