WAIndexed annually
Washington minimum wage 2026
The Washington minimum wage is $16.66 per hour as of 2026-01-01. The tipped cash wage is $16.66 with a tip credit of $0.00. [WA labor dept.][DOL WHD]
Standard minimum
WA$16.66
Effective 2026-01-01.
Verified 2026-06-24
Tipped cash wage
$16.66
Tip credit ceiling $0.00.
Verified 2026-06-24
vs federal $7.25
+$9.41
Above the federal minimum.
Verified 2009-07-24
Next scheduled step
$17.05
Effective 2027-01-01.
Verified 2026-06-24
Tip-credit split
Full cash wage of $16.66 per hour. No tip credit permitted.
Take-home at the Washington minimum
Estimated take-home at $16.66 per hour
20 hours/week
$333.20
~$305/wk after tax
$17,326.4 annual gross
30 hours/week
$499.80
~$443/wk after tax
$25,989.6 annual gross
40 hours/week
$666.40
~$577/wk after tax
$34,652.8 annual gross
Estimate uses 2026 federal brackets (single filer), FICA 7.65 percent, and a flat state effective rate. Actual withholding varies by W-4 and credits.
Statute and indexing
Indexed annually under RCW 49.46.020 (Initiative 1433, 2016). Washington bans the tip credit. Seattle, Tukwila, SeaTac, and Bellingham set higher local rates.
Local ordinances above the Washington rate
Tool
Take-home calculator
Reference
Federal vs state delta