## Washington Minimum Wage
As of January 1, 2026, Washington’s minimum wage is $17.13 per hour — the highest of any state — and it rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027. Washington does not allow a tip credit: tipped employees must receive the full minimum wage plus their tips. Some cities, like Seattle, set even higher local rates.
Rest Breaks
Under Washington Law, workers must be allowed a paid rest break of at least 10 minutes for each 4 hours worked. The rest period must be allowed no later than the end of the third hour of the shift.
Meal Breaks
If more than 5 hours are worked in a shift: (1) Workers must be allowed at least a 30 minute meal period; (2) Workers must be at least two hours into the shift before the meal time can start; and (3) The meal time cannot start more than five hours after the beginning of the shift.
Frequency of Payment
Businesses must pay workers on regular established paydays at least once a month.
Last Paycheck
Termination wages are due to the worker on the next regularly scheduled payday regardless of whether the worker quit or was fired.
