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Washington state updates its minimum wage policies every year. This guide will inform you of the new rules and regulations for minimum wage laws in Washington State so that you can remain in compliance for the rest of the year.
The Minimum Wage in Washington State
As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage for Washington state is $16.66. Most employees are entitled to this hourly wage for all hours they work in the state. This includes while they are in meetings, required training, and opening and closing a business. Companies are not allowed to subtract tips and service charges from their employees’ pay. They must pay the full rate listed above, even though some employees receive tips.
Overtime Pay
Both salaried employees and those working for an hourly wage are entitled to receive overtime pay.
Who Is Eligible?
The pay rate listed above applies to most workers in the state of Washington. This includes agricultural workers.
Workers Under Age 18
Washington employers may obtain permission to pay underage workers less than the rate listed above.
Employers can pay minors aged 14 and 15 85% of the rate listed above. This turns out to be $14.16 per hour. They may pay this rate because these workers have restrictions on their responsibilities and their schedules. 16- and 17-year-old employees must receive the $16.66 per hour rate unless an exemption applies.
Exemptions
Disabilities
If an employee has a disability, the State Department of Labor & Industries may approve a reduced rate. This will depend on the employee’s job duties and the worker’s productivity expectations.
Students
If a high school or college student is in an approved educational program, the employer may pay him or her a reduced wage. The employer must pay a student at least 75% of the minimum wage. In 2025, this is $12.50 per hour.
Apprentices
If an apprentice is enrolled in a program that has been approved by the state, he or she can receive a rate that is less than the minimum wage. This rate will last throughout the apprentice’s training period.
Comply with the Rules
Each employer must pay close attention to the rules to ensure that they comply with all of them. This means that they keep meticulous records and keep track of all tips, overtime and wages. Failing to do this can result in fines and other legal issues.
Make Sure to Verify the Overtime Thresholds
An employer is required to pay overtime for every hour that an employee works over 40 hours per week. The rules may be different in some cities in Washington, such as Seattle, SeaTac and Tukwila. Employers must confirm that they are following the local rules so that they pay their employees the correct amount.
Distribute the Tips and Service Charges Accurately.
An employer must deliver tips and service charges directly to the employee.
Keep Accurate Records of Employee Hours and Wages.
It is mandatory that employers keep accurate records of hours worked by each employee, the amount paid to the employee and the tip distribution. This means that openings, closings, mandatory trainings and meetings must be properly documented. This reduces the possibility of disputes and gives employers a document to reference if this becomes necessary.
In addition to that, employers must keep payroll documentation for at least three to five years. This is a regulation required by the state of Washington. They will maintain work schedules, pay stubs and timesheets for this purpose. It will be another reference that ensures that they are complying with all of the rules and regulations.