Bellingham minimum wage
Minimum wage in Bellingham, Washington, in effect since January 1, 2026
$19.13 an hour
Bellingham sets its own minimum wage, $2.00 above the Washington rate of $17.13. Employers in Bellingham pay the higher local rate.
Next increase: $19.73 on January 1, 2027 (estimated; the official figure is not yet published).
Tipped employees
Bellingham doesn't allow a tip credit. Tipped employees must get the full $19.13 an hour from the employer, and tips are on top.
Scheduled increases
| Effective date | Standard rate | Tipped cash wage | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 (current) | $19.13 | $19.13 | In effect |
| January 1, 2027 | $19.73 | $19.73 | Estimated, awaiting official figure COMPUTED from the published formula: Bellingham = Washington state minimum + $2.00 (BMC 6.07). L&I has announced $17.73 for 2027. The city has not yet posted its 2027 figure. |
How future increases are set
Set at $2.00 above the Washington state minimum wage each January 1.
Exceptions and details
- Approved by Bellingham voters in November 2023; codified in Bellingham Municipal Code chapter 6.07.
- Applies to all hours worked within Bellingham city limits, regardless of employer size.
- Washington law does not allow a tip credit; tips are paid on top of the minimum wage.
Other local minimum wages in Washington
Running payroll in Bellingham?
Recent changes
Last verified against the official source on October 9, 2026.
No changes recorded since we started tracking this page.
Sources
- City of Bellingham · data as of January 1, 2026 · last checked October 9, 2026
We copy figures from official sources and re-check them against the source before every update. See our methodology. This is general information, not legal advice.