Washington State Labor Laws: A Complete Guide to Wages, Breaks, Overtime, and More for 2025

Let’s take a deep dive into Washington State’s labor laws, with details on all the important aspects of the state’s regulations on your employees.

washington labor laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current minimum wage in Washington State for 2024?

As of 2024, the minimum wage in Washington is set at $16.28 per hour. This applies to most workers in the state, but certain localities, such as Seattle and SeaTac, have higher minimum wage rates due to local cost-of-living adjustments. For instance, Seattle’s minimum wage is $19.97 per hour for large employers, while SeaTac’s rate is $19.71 per hour, primarily for hospitality and transportation workers. Each year, Washington adjusts its minimum wage based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), ensuring wages reflect inflation

How do Washington State labor laws regulate overtime pay?

Under Washington labor laws, employees are entitled to overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek. Some exceptions apply, particularly for certain professions like agricultural workers, who have unique overtime thresholds. As of 2024, dairy workers are eligible for overtime pay after 40 hours, while other agricultural workers gradually gain full overtime protections through 2025.

What are the new changes to Washington State labor laws in 2025?

In 2025, several changes to Washington labor laws will take effect, including an increase in the minimum wage to $16.66 per hour. Additionally, the state will raise the salary threshold for overtime-exempt employees, requiring them to earn at least $58,240 annually. Moreover, the Paid Sick Leave law will expand, allowing leave for non-health-related emergencies when a child’s school or place of care closes.

Are there restrictions on noncompete agreements under Washington State labor laws?

Yes, under Washington labor laws, non-compete agreements are enforceable only if an employee earns at least $123,394.17 annually starting in 2025. For independent contractors, the minimum annual earnings for a valid non-compete agreement are $308,485.43. These changes aim to protect lower-income workers from being unfairly restricted by noncompete clauses.

What are Washington State’s rules for tipped employees?

In Washington, tipped employees must be paid the full state minimum wage of $16.28 per hour (2024), as the state does not allow employers to use a “tip credit” to pay less than the minimum wage. Employers may require tip pooling, but the rules stipulate that all employees must still receive at least the minimum wage after tips are pooled. Tips cannot be shared with managers, supervisors, or owners.

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