All states / Washington / King County (unincorporated)
King County (unincorporated) Minimum Wage (2026)
$20.82 per hour · County ordinance effective 2026-01-01 +$3.69 vs WA state
At a glance
| Current rate | $20.82/hour |
| Effective date | 2026-01-01 |
| Full-time annual | $43,306 |
| Washington state rate | $17.13 (local is higher — local applies) |
| Small employer rate | $19.82/hour |
Employer rules
500+ employers: $20.82. Most other covered employers: $19.82 (phasing up through 2028).
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in King County (unincorporated)?
$20.82 per hour since 2026-01-01. This is higher than the WA state minimum ($17.13), so the local rate applies for work performed in King County (unincorporated).
Does the King County (unincorporated) rate apply to all employers?
Smaller employers may have a lower tier ($19.82/hr). See employer rules above.
Which applies if city and state rates differ?
Employers must pay the highest of federal, state, and local rates for work performed in that jurisdiction.
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Official source: kingcounty.gov/en/dept/local-services/governance-leadership/local-government-for-unincorporated-king-county/minimum-wage · Compare Washington state rate → · Verified 2026-09-07