Washington Minimum Wage 2026
Current minimum wage, scheduled increases, tipped worker rules, and political context for Washington’s wage policy in 2026.
$16.66
Current Minimum Wage
$17.20 (est.)
Projected 2026 Rate
$16.66 (no tip credit)
Tipped Worker Rate
CPI-indexed
Scheduled Increases
Minimum Wage Overview
Washington State has one of the highest minimum wages in the nation, with no separate tipped worker wage. Seattle has an even higher local minimum of $20.29. The CPI-indexed state minimum has grown consistently. Washington has been a national model for high-minimum-wage policy.
Wage Policy Details
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Minimum Wage | $16.66/hour |
| Tipped Worker Minimum | $16.66 (no tip credit)/hour |
| Scheduled Increases | CPI-indexed |
| Projected 2026 Rate | $17.20 (est.)/hour |
| Legislative Source | Initiative 1433 (2016) + CPI |
| Passed by Ballot Initiative | 2016 |
Political Context
Washington voters passed Initiative 1433 in 2016 to raise wages and add CPI indexing. Seattle’s Fight for $15 movement launched nationally in Seattle. Washington minimum wage experience is frequently cited in national minimum wage debates as evidence that high minimums don’t cause significant job losses.