Q: If a county's minimum wage goes up. Do companies have to raise their minimum wage? Or does state minimum wage apply?
A:
Thank you for the interesting question.
In Washington State, businesses have to pay whichever minimum wage is higher—whether that’s set by the state or by a city or county. So, if a county raises its minimum wage above the state level, companies in that area are required to follow the local rule and pay the higher rate.
For example, places like Seattle or King County often have minimum wages that are higher than the state’s, and employers in those areas have to comply with the local rates.
Basically, workers are entitled to the highest minimum wage available in their location, whether it’s from the state, county, or city.
As of January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Washington state is $16.66 per hour. This is a 2.35% increase from 2024, when the minimum wage was $16.28 per hour. However, in Seattle, Tukwila, and Bellingham, it's higher than that, and it may be higher in other WA cities and counties, too.
Best wishes and good luck to you,
Merry
Brad S Kane agrees with this answer
A: In Washington state, an employee is entitled to receive the highest city/count/state minimum wage based on the location of their work. This can get complicated, when remote work is involved. For example, if you work from home 2 days per week and where you live has a higher minimum wage than the area where the office you work at 3 days a week, you have look to the location's minimum wage for each work day.
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