Washington Labor Laws: An Employer's Overview

Overtime

Washington follows the federal rule: time-and-a-half after 40 hours in a workweek, with no separate daily-overtime requirement.

Minimum Wage

Washington sets a minimum wage above the federal $7.25 and updates it periodically — confirm the current figure before running payroll.

Breaks

Washington requires meal breaks for longer shifts and paid rest breaks.

Paid Sick Leave & Final Pay

Washington mandates paid sick leave. Final-paycheck timing is state-specific — see the dedicated guides linked below for details, and always confirm against the official source.

Washington Labor-Law Snapshot

A quick Washington snapshot: the minimum wage is $17.13/hour (about $9.88 above the federal $7.25) (higher in Seattle), overtime is about $25.70/hour, Washington mandates paid sick leave (typically ~1 hour earned per 30 worked), and a final paycheck is due by the next regular payday on discharge.

For Washington employers these rules interact with timekeeping: accurate, audit-logged hours drive overtime, sick-leave accrual, final pay, and break records. Washington requires meal breaks on longer shifts and requires paid rest breaks; a final paycheck is due by the next regular payday when an employee resigns. Confirm current Washington figures with the state labor office before relying on any single number.

Official Sources

• U.S. DOL — Minimum wage by state
• U.S. DOL — State overtime
• U.S. DOL — State labor offices

More Washington Guides

Labor Law Overview in Other States

Washington Labor Law Overview: Frequently Asked Questions