What is the minimum wage in Washington?

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What is the minimum wage in Washington?

L&I enforces the state's minimum wage law. The minimum wage is $8.55 per hour. The state's minimum wage is recalculated each year in September as a result of an initiative approved by voters in 1998. It tied the minimum wage to changes in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPIW). For the 12 months ending August 2002, the nationwide CPIW increased 1.6 percent over August 2001. Therefore, Washington's current minimum wage for 2002 of $6.90 will increase 1.6 percent in 2003, to $7.01. The new wage applies to workers in both agricultural and nonagricultural jobs. Fourteen and 15yearolds may be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage.

Other Washington Labor and Employment FAQs

Q: My Employer Has Not Paid Me All The Commissions I Earned At My Previous Job. What Can I Do?
A: If you were not paid minimum wage and overtime correctly for the hours you worked, you may be able to file a wage claim through L&I. However, L&I has no jurisdiction … More
Q: Is An Employer Required To Pay Time And One-Half For Working On A Holiday?
A: Overtime or premium pay is not required for working on holidays or weekends unless those hours are in excess of 40 for the workweek. Holiday pay is a benefit that may … More
Q: Am I Entitled To Be Paid For Unused Vacation Time Or Receive Severance Pay Upon Termination?
A: Vacation pay, holiday pay, sick leave, and severance pay are considered benefits and may be paid based on the employer's policies. There is no requirement in state law … More
Q: What Is The Difference Between State And Federal Minimum Wage?
A: Most Washington employers are subject to both federal and state minimum wage and overtime laws. The effect of this dual coverage is that the employer must follow the … More
Q: When Is Overtime Pay Required Under Washington Law?
A: Most employees are entitled to be paid time and onehalf their regular rate of pay for any time worked over 40 hours in a sevenday workweek. There are some … More
Q: How Frequently Must Employees Be Paid?
A: Employers must pay employees on regular established paydays at no longer than monthly intervals.
Q: Is There A Limit To The Number Of Hours An Employer Can Require You To Work?
A: There are no laws limiting the number of hours adult employees may be required to work. (See "Overtime Pay" section for information about working more than 40 hours in … More
Q: My Employer Promised A Raise After Six Months But I Havent Received It. Do I Have Any Recourse?
A: An employer must pay the agreed wage until such time that a new rate is agreed upon. Once you and your employer have specifically discussed and agreed upon a new rate, … More
Q: Can A Supervisor Change The Hours Recorded On A Timecard?
A: Employers must pay employees for all hours worked. It is not legal for a supervisor to change your timecard if you have worked the hours. If you suspect this is … More
Q: Is It Legal To Require Direct Deposit?
A: Yes, it is legal to require direct deposit, as long as there is no cost to the employee.