Multiple new laws will take effect in Washington state beginning January 2024, bringing changes to the state’s minimum wage laws and adding requirements under the state’s Paid Sick Leave Law.
Minimum Wage Increases at State and Local Levels
Washington state will have the highest minimum wage in the country as of January 1, 2024. The state minimum wage will increase to $16.28 per hour, a 3.4% increase over last year’s minimum wage, and more than double the federal minimum wage, which continues to sit at $7.25.
The new minimum wage rate will apply to workers who are 16 years old and older. Employees who are 14 or 15 years old may be paid $13.84 per hour.
