Seattle Minimum Wage 2026 (WA)
Last updated: · Part of Washington
Seattle, WA · Minimum Wage 2026
Effective 2026-01-01
Seattle Minimum Wage vs. Washington
| Jurisdiction | Minimum Wage | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $20.76/hr | — |
| Washington (state rate) | $17.33/hr | City is +$3.43/hr higher |
Does Seattle Have Its Own Minimum Wage?
A city or county minimum wage ordinance sets a higher local wage floor than the state minimum, and employers within that jurisdiction must pay the higher local rate.
Yes. Seattle has enacted its own local minimum wage ordinance, currently set at $20.76/hr, effective 2026-01-01. This rate is higher than the Washington state minimum wage of $17.33/hr, and covered employers in Seattle must pay the local rate. Large employers (501+ employees) pay $20.76/hr. Small employers (1–500): $19.06/hr.
Seattle Wage Calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
The minimum wage in Seattle is $20.76 per hour, set by the city's own local ordinance, effective 2026-01-01.
Yes. Seattle has enacted a local minimum wage ordinance set at $20.76/hr, higher than the Washington state minimum of $17.33/hr.
Seattle's minimum wage of $20.76/hr is $3.43/hr higher than the Washington state minimum of $17.33/hr.