Minimum Wage in Seattle, WA (2026)
Seattle sets its own local minimum wage of $20.76/hour in 2026, which is higher than the Washington state rate of $16.66/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in Seattle.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · 2026-10-15 · reviewed against primary tipping and tax sources
Applicable minimum wage in Seattle (2026)
$20.76/hr
Local rate — higher than the Washington state rate of $16.66/hr.
Federal, State & Local Layers
Federal Min
$7.25/hr
WA State Min
$16.66/hr
Local (City) Min
$20.76/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$16.66/hr
State Effective
January 1, 2026 (Washington Department of Labor & Industries)
Tip Credit?
No (full wage)
Seattle has one of the highest minimum wages in the nation at $20.76/hour. All employers regardless of size are phased into the full rate. Washington state law strictly prohibits tip credits; tipped workers must receive the full cash minimum wage prior to any tips.
How the Layers Interact
Three levels of government can set a minimum wage: the federal floor (Fair Labor Standards Act, $7.25/hour in 2026), the state rate, and any local (city or county) ordinance. By law, an employer must pay the highest rate that applies to the worker. When a state or city sets a rate above the federal floor, the higher rate governs; the federal rate is the backstop.
Seattle has its own local ordinance of $20.76/hour, which exceeds the Washington state rate of $16.66/hour — so the local rate governs. Tipped employees may be paid a lower direct cash wage only where state law allows a tip credit; California and other no-tip-credit states require tipped workers to receive the full minimum wage before tips.
Related TipFig Tools
Turn the minimum wage into take-home pay and compare hourly vs. salary with our calculators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Seattle, Washington in 2026?
As of 2026-10-15, Seattle sets its own local minimum wage of $20.76/hour in 2026, above the Washington state rate of $16.66/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in Seattle. Source: Seattle Office of Labor Standards — Minimum Wage Ordinance.
Does Seattle have its own minimum wage or follow Washington state law?
Seattle sets its own local minimum wage ($20.76/hour in 2026), which is higher than the Washington state rate of $16.66/hour.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Seattle?
In Washington, the law prohibits the tip credit, so tipped employees earn the full $16.66/hour minimum wage in cash before tips. Tips are additional income the worker keeps.
Where can I verify the Seattle minimum wage?
The authoritative figures are published by Seattle Office of Labor Standards — Minimum Wage Ordinance (https://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards) and the U.S. Department of Labor Consolidated Minimum Wage Table. Minimum wages change frequently; always confirm the current rate with the official agency before making wage or payroll decisions.
Other Minimum-Wage City Pages
Minimum-wage figures are compiled from public government sources for informational use and may change; verify with the official agency before making wage or payroll decisions. State minimum-wage source: Seattle Office of Labor Standards — Minimum Wage Ordinance (retrieved 2026-10-15). Federal minimum wage: U.S. Department of Labor — Wage and Hour Division: Consolidated Minimum Wage Table (retrieved 2026-10-15). This page is not legal advice. See TipFig's Disclaimer.