In 2026, some local jurisdictions have higher minimum wage rates and different labor rules than Washington State. The more generous minimum wage may apply in these localities:

Bellingham: $19.13/hour.

Burien: $21.63/hour for employers with 500 or more employees, and $20.63/hour for employers with 21 to 499 employees. Employers with 20 or fewer employees are not covered.

Everett: $20.77/hour for employers with more than 500 employees in Washington. For employers with 15 to 499 employees, $18.77/hour from Jan 1 to June 30, 2026, and $19.77 from July 1 to Dec 31, 2026. Employers with 14 or fewer employees are not affected.

King County (unincorporated areas): $20.82/hour for employers with more than 500 employers; $19.82/hour for employers with 15 or fewer employees and an annual gross revenue of $2 million or more; $19.82/hour for employers with 16 to 499 employees and gross revenue of any amount, and $18.32/hour for employers with 15 or fewer employees and less than $2 million in gross revenue.

Renton: $21.57/hour for employers with more than 500 employees. For employers with 15 to 500 employees, $20.57/hour from Jan.1 to June 30, 2026, and $21.57 from July1 to Dec. 31, 2026. Employers with 14 or fewer employees are not covered.

SeaTac: $20.74/hour for employers in hospitality and transportation industries.

Seattle: $21.30/hour.

Tukwila: $21.65/hour for employers who have at least 15 employees worldwide, if at least one employee has worked in Tukwila, even temporarily, or have over $2 million annual gross revenue generated within Tukwila city limits, or are franchisees associated with a franchisor or a network franchise with franchises that employ more than 500 employees in aggregate worldwide.

Note: Check each jurisdiction to see how they specifically define the size of employers.