SEATTLE — Seattle's minimum wage will increase to nearly $20 an hour next year, making it one of the highest rates in the country, the Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) announced Monday.
According to the OLS, the minimum wage for small and large employers (501 or more employees) will be $19.97 an hour, starting on Jan. 1, 2024. The agency said in a release Monday the minimum wage will be $17.25 an hour for small businesses (500 employees or fewer) that do not pay at least $2.72 an hour towards employees' medical benefits or if the employees make at least $2.72 an hour in tips.
Seattle's current minimum wage is $18.69 an hour. The incoming raise will be a 6.8% increase from 2023.
The OLS said the minimum wage increase reflects the rate of inflation based on the Consumer Price Index for the Seattle Tacoma Bellevue area.
“Seattle has one of the nation’s highest minimum wages – a clear commitment to creating a city where working people can live and thrive,” Mayor Bruce Harrell said in the release. “We will continue to advance policies and programs that support working people and ensure Seattle remains a bastion for workers’ rights.”
The City of SeaTac announced on Oct. 4 that it will raise its minimum wage from $19.06 an hour to $19.71 an hour for workers in the hospitality and transportation industries. The 3.4% increase will take effect starting on Jan. 1, 2024.
Last month, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industry announced that the statewide minimum wage will increase from $15.74 to $16.28 an hour beginning on Jan. 1, 2024. This is a 3.4% increase from 2023.
Washington has the highest state-level minimum wage across the U.S. The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009.
Cities in Washington can set their own minimum wages. However, employers are allowed to pay 85% of the minimum wage to workers ages 14-15, under state law. In 2024, workers in this age group can be paid $13.84 an hour.
Businesses and workers in Seattle can call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov, or click here to fill out an online request for free and private assistance for compliance with Seattle's minimum wage standards.