Tipped & Minimum Wage in Washington, District of Columbia (2026)
Washington, District of Columbia sets its own local minimum wage of $18.40/hour in 2026. Tipped workers — see the local rules and how much to tip below.
By The TipFig Editorial Team · independent editorial research project
Local Minimum-Wage Law in Washington
Local Min
$18.40/hr
Tipped Cash Wage
$10.30/hr
Max Tip Credit
$8.10/hr
Tip Credit?
Yes
Effective July 1, 2026; tipped cash wage $10.30 (tip credit $8.10).
Source: D.C. Department of Employment Services — Minimum Wage
Standard Tip Percentages in Washington
Restaurants
15–20%
Delivery
15–20%
Rideshare
15–20%
Bars
$1–2/drink
Hotel
$2–5/night
Salon/Spa
15–20%
These percentages are general U.S. etiquette norms. In Washington, the tipped cash wage is lower than the full minimum, so tips are a core part of server income — 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal is the expected norm.
Calculate tips with Washington's tax built in
Our calculators apply the 6% combined District of Columbia rate automatically — your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
Tip Calculator for Washington, District of Columbia
Enter your bill — District of Columbia's 6% sales tax is applied automatically and your tip stays on the pre-tax subtotal.
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Bill Breakdown
Tip is calculated on the pre-tax amount. Adjust state for accurate tax rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum wage in Washington, District of Columbia in 2026?
As of 2026-08-29, Washington has its own local minimum wage of $18.40/hour. Effective July 1, 2026; tipped cash wage $10.30 (tip credit $8.10). Tipped employees are paid a cash wage of $10.30/hour (employer may claim a tip credit of up to $8.10/hour). Source: D.C. Department of Employment Services — Minimum Wage.
Does Washington have its own minimum wage or follow District of Columbia state law?
Washington sets its own local minimum wage ($18.40/hour in 2026), which is higher than the District of Columbia state rate of $18.40/hour. Employers must pay the higher local rate for work performed in Washington.
What is the tipped minimum wage and tip credit in Washington?
In Washington, the tipped cash wage is $10.30/hour and employers may take a tip credit of up to $8.10/hour, for a combined cash-plus-tip minimum of $18.40/hour (local). If tips don't bring the employee to the minimum, the employer must make up the difference.
How much should I tip in Washington?
Like the rest of the U.S., Washington follows national tipping norms — tip 15–20% on the pre-tax subtotal at restaurants, bars, and for delivery and rideshare, not the 6% combined sales tax. In District of Columbia, tipped workers already earn at least $18.40/hour, yet 15–20% remains the customary gratuity because tips supplement take-home pay.
Other District of Columbia Cities
More State Guides
Local minimum-wage figures for Washington are from D.C. Department of Employment Services — Minimum Wage (retrieved 2026-08-29). Minimum wages change frequently; verify with the local agency before making wage or payroll decisions. Tip percentages are general etiquette guidelines, not legal advice. Sales-tax rates are approximate combined state + local averages.