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Washington’s Minimum Wage to Top $17 in 2026
Washington state will raise the minimum wage by 2.8% to $17.13 and increase the overtime salary threshold to $80,168.40 in 2026, affecting rideshare drivers and youth workers.
- On Jan. 1, 2026, Washington will raise the minimum wage by 2.8% to $17.13 an hour, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries announced.
- State law requires L&I to use the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in an August-to-August comparison, reflecting BLS inflation data showing a 2.9% rise.
- The 2026 salary thresholds set by L&I require employers to pay overtime-exempt employees at least 2.25 times the minimum wage, equaling $1,541.70 per week or $80,168.40 per year.
- Workers and employers can contact L&I's Employment Standards Program; in 2026, minimum wage increases to $21.30, affecting all pay rules and thresholds.
- Many local governments already mandate higher wages, such as Seattle at $21.30 and Tukwila at $21.65, while L&I's eight-year implementation schedule raises exemption thresholds through 2028.
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16 Articles
The Columbian+6 Reposted by 6 other sources
Washington’s minimum wage to top $17 in 2026
Washington state’s minimum wage will surpass $17 per hour in 2026. Read more...
·Vancouver, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 40%
C 60%
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