Washington’s minimum wage to increase to $13.69 next year

Starting January 1, Washington state’s minimum wage is increasing to $13.69 per hour.

The 19 cents increase will be the first increase in four years that’s been determined by inflation instead of a voter-approved ballot measure.

Workers who are 14 or 15 years old may be paid 85% of the adult minimum wage, or $11.64 per hour. Starting in 2021, that will be $11.64 per hour.

• See also: 
  • Here’s everything you need to know about voting in the US election
  • Stop signs in Washington will soon become yield signs for bicyclists
  • 11 governors pen letter condemning “threat against democracy”

The change will also impact wages paid to some salaried employees exempt from overtime and other protections under state law.

For small businesses with 1-50 employees, an exempt employee must earn a salary of at least 1.5 times the minimum wage, or $821.40 a week ($42,712.80/year).

For large businesses with 51 or more employees, an exempt employee must earn a salary of at least 1.75 times the minimum wage, or $958.30 a week ($49,831.60/year).

Complete information about the wage increase is available on the Labor and Industries website, as well as details about overtime, rest breaks, and meal periods.