OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington will raise the minimum wage by 2.8% in 2026, from $16.66 to $17.13 per hour, according to the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

The change was determined based on a review of the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, which tracks inflation of average costs of goods and services for working families.

The minimum salary for overtime exempt employees will also be raised to $80,168.40 a year in 2026.

Workers aged 14 to 15 are eligible to be paid 85% of the minimum wage, meaning their wage will increase to $14.56 per hour in 2026.

Rideshare drivers will also earn more money beginning in the new year. Drivers on apps such as Uber and Lyft in Washington will all see increases, which will vary based on whether their rides take place w

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