Washington tipped minimum wage
In effect since January 1, 2026
$17.13 an hour, before tips
Washington doesn't allow employers to count tips toward the minimum wage. Tipped employees get the full minimum wage from the employer, and tips are on top.
Next change: on January 1, 2027 the minimum wage becomes $17.73.
Minimum wage
$17.13
Tipped cash wage
$17.13
Max tip credit
None
Federal cash wage
$2.13
with $5.12 credit
Local tipped wages in Washington
| Place | Minimum wage | Tipped cash wage |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $19.13 | $19.13 |
| Burien | $21.78 | $21.78 |
| Everett | $20.77 | $20.77 |
| King County (unincorporated) | $20.82 | $20.82 |
| Renton | $21.57 | $21.57 |
| SeaTac | $20.74 | $20.74 |
| Seattle | $21.30 | $21.30 |
| Tukwila | $21.65 | $21.65 |
Rules that apply everywhere
- The employer must tell tipped employees about the tip credit before taking it, under federal rules.
- Tips belong to the employee. Managers and supervisors can't share in a tip pool.
- If tips and cash wages fall short of the minimum in a workweek, the employer pays the difference.
Federal tip rules: DOL Fact Sheet #15.
Running payroll in Washington?
Sources
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries · 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.