Washington Labor Laws: An Employer's Overview
Washington (WA) · Labor law overview · Last reviewed June 2026
Overtime
Weekly (40 hr)
Minimum wage
Above federal
Meal breaks
Required
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.
Official sources
More Washington guides
Labor law overview in other states
Washington labor law overview: frequently asked questions
What are the main labor laws employers should know in Washington?
The essentials are overtime (federal 40-hour weekly), minimum wage (a state rate above federal), and breaks (meal breaks are required).
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