Washington state's minimum wage is slated to rise in 2024

Washington's minimum wage workers will get a 54-cent bump next year.

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On Jan. 1, 2024, the state's minimum wage will rise to $16.28 per hour (for ages 16 and older). That's a 3.4% increase from the current $15.74 per hour.

Each year, the state Department of Labor and Industries adjusts the minimum wage according to inflation. As of 2023, Washington has the highest minimum wage in the United States, but inflation is pushing the rate up even further.

Washington's cities and counties can still set their own minimum wages that are higher than the state's rate. Seattle's minimum wage is currently $18.69, and SeaTac's is $19.06. In July, Tukwila matched SeaTac's wage.

There is also an effort on the King County Council to increase the county's minimum wage to $19, to be more competitive with cities like Seattle.