Washington Minimum Wage & Labor Laws (2026)
In 2026, the Washington minimum wage is $17.13/hour. Overtime is 1.5× the regular rate over 40 hours a week. Below are the wage, overtime, final-paycheck and break rules, a calculator pre-set to Washington, and how to file a wage claim if you're owed money.
- Overtime
- 1.5x the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Washington follows the federal FLSA weekly rule.
- Tipped pay
- $17.13/hr in full. No tip credit: tipped staff must be paid the full minimum in cash, with tips on top.
- Final paycheck
- Fired: End of the established pay period (next regular payday). Quit: End of the established pay period (next regular payday).
- Meal & rest breaks
- Meal: 30-min unpaid meal for shifts over 5 hrs. Rest: 10-min paid rest per 4 hrs worked.
Washington pay & overtime calculator
Pre-set to Washington. Enter your rate and hours.
Your hours
Your pay this week
OT $30.00/hrWashington follows the FLSA weekly rule: 1.5× the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek.
Washington figures are current for 2026 and compiled from the U.S. Department of Labor and Washington's labor department. Cities and counties may set higher local minimums, and industry rules vary, so confirm with your state labor department before relying on this for payroll or a legal decision.
Next change: minimum wage $17.73 on January 1, 2027
Annual inflation adjustment. Official source. Get a reminder before it starts.
How to file a wage claim in Washington
To recover unpaid wages in Washington, file with Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I). Federal law lets you claim up to 2 years of back pay (3 if the violation was willful), plus an equal amount in liquidated damages.
- Agency
- Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I). File a wage claim
- Federal window
- 2 years of back pay, or 3 if the violation was willful, plus equal liquidated damages.
- Washington adds
- Washington can add double damages where wages are willfully withheld.
Step by step
- 1Gather your records
Collect pay stubs, time records, schedules and any texts about hours. In Washington, your own honest records can carry a claim if the employer's are missing.
- 2Work out what you're owed
The back-pay estimator adds up the unpaid wages and how far back you can recover them.
- 3Send a written demand
Many disputes settle after a dated letter that states the amount owed and the deadline you're giving the employer to pay.
- 4File with Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I)
If the employer doesn't pay, file a wage claim with the agency below. Filing is free and you don't need a lawyer.
- 5Mind the deadline
Federal claims must be filed within 2 years (3 if willful). Your state may set a shorter deadline for its own process, so don't wait.
Washington wage claim questions
Who do I file an unpaid-wage claim with in Washington?
Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries (L&I). You can also sue in court, often with an employment attorney.
How far back can I recover unpaid wages in Washington?
Federal law (FLSA) allows 2 years of back pay, or 3 years for a willful violation, plus an equal amount in liquidated damages. Washington can add double damages where wages are willfully withheld.
Can my employer retaliate for filing a wage claim in Washington?
No. Federal and state law prohibit firing, demoting or punishing you for asserting your right to be paid. Retaliation is a separate violation you can also claim.
Cities in Washington with a higher minimum wage
These Washington localities set a local minimum above the state's $17.13/hr: