Washington’s minimum wage will rise to $17.73 an hour on Jan. 1, 2027, giving workers and families a useful date to keep in mind as they plan for the new year.
The new statewide rate applies to most covered workers age 16 and older. For workers ages 14 and 15, the state’s lower youth minimum will be $15.07 an hour. The Department of Labor & Industries has confirmed both rates in its minimum-wage guidance.
What changes in January
The adult state minimum is currently $17.13. The 60-cent increase amounts to $24 more in gross pay for a 40-hour week worked at the state minimum, before taxes and deductions. That comparison assumes the same number of paid hours.
The youth minimum rises from $14.56 to $15.07. State rules allow employers to pay 14- and 15-year-olds 85% of the adult minimum, although an employer can pay more. Workers who are 16 or 17 use the adult state minimum, subject to any higher applicable rate. The age distinction is set out in Washington’s youth-wage rule.
L&I announced the 3.5% annual adjustment Sept. 30. The rate takes effect with work performed from Jan. 1; the November reminders do not make the new rates effective early.
Check the rules where you work
The state rate is a starting point. Some cities have higher minimums and different coverage rules. That matters for residents of Marysville, Arlington, Stanwood, Camano Island and neighboring communities who commute elsewhere for work.
For example, Everett’s official 2027 schedule lists $21.52 an hour for large employers. Other employers covered by the city’s ordinance have a $20.52 rate from January through June, rising to $21.52 July 1. Check the city’s employer-coverage definitions before applying those figures to a particular job.
Look beyond the hourly number
For covered employees, L&I says paid work time includes opening and closing duties, required training and meetings. Tips paid to an employee are additional to the hourly minimum; an employer cannot use them to make up the required wage.
When you review a pay statement that includes January work, compare the hourly rate and recorded hours with your own records. A schedule, time record and pay statement can help you explain a discrepancy.
If you have a wage question or believe you were underpaid, you can contact L&I’s Employment Standards Program at 1-866-219-7321 or use its Worker Rights Complaint page. The agency offers free assistance in a worker’s preferred language.
Sources: L&I’s 2027 wage announcement, RCW 49.46.020 and the agency and city guidance linked above. Details checked Nov. 13, 2026.
