Seattle Minimum Wage (2026)

$21.30 per hour · City ordinance effective 2026-01-01 +$4.17 vs WA state

At a glance

Current rate	$21.30/hour
Effective date	2026-01-01
Full-time annual	$44,304
Washington state rate	$17.13 (local is higher — local applies)

All employer sizes unified since 2025 (no more small/large/tips credit tiers).

What is the minimum wage in Seattle?

$21.30 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 Seattle.

Does the Seattle rate apply to all employers?

All employer sizes unified since 2025 (no more small/large/tips credit tiers).

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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