Minimum Wage/Washington/Seattle
Seattle Minimum Wage 2026
The Seattle rate, tipped rules, and how it compares with the Washington state minimum. Every figure below is checked against primary sources.
| Tipped minimum | No tip credit anywhere in Washington; tipped employees receive the full $21.30 / hour |
|---|---|
| Washington state minimum | $17.13 / hour |
Against the state minimum
Hourly minimums compared
Hourly minimum wage as verified August 18, 2026. Bars start at $0.
Nearby rates and notes
Tukwila ($21.65 / hour) is currently the state's highest local rate.
SeaTac, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien, and unincorporated King County set their own higher minimums.
Rate record
What has taken effect, what we have checked, and what is coming next.
January 1, 2026
Seattle minimum in effect: $21.30 / hour (all employer sizes)
August 18, 2026
Every figure on this page re-verified against the primary sources below.Latest check
Jan 1, 2027
Next inflation adjustment takes effect (Seattle adjusts each January 1).
Questions employers ask
What is the minimum wage in Seattle in 2026?
$21.30 per hour for employers of every size, effective January 1, 2026. That is $4.17 above the Washington state minimum of $17.13.
Does Seattle allow a tip credit?
No. Washington allows no tip credit anywhere in the state, so Seattle tipped employees must receive the full $21.30 per hour before tips.
Is Seattle's minimum wage the highest in Washington?
No. Tukwila's $21.65 per hour is currently the state's highest local rate; Seattle's $21.30 is close behind.
When does Seattle's minimum wage change next?
Seattle adjusts its rate each January 1 based on inflation. The next change takes effect January 1, 2027.
Sources and caveats
Get notified when Seattle changes its rate
State employment law changes, in plain English, verified against primary sources.
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