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With many states implementing multi year minimum wage campaigns, it can be hard to stay on top of what you’re required to pay in your state.
Washington state raised the minimum wage in 2021 and plans to do so every year according to the Consumer Price Index. Here’s what you need to know.
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What is the Washington state minimum right now?
The minimum wage in Washington increased to $13.69 on January 1, 2021, up from $13.50 per hour the previous year. This is $6.44 more than the federal minimum wage. Younger workers, ages 14 or 15, can expect to be paid $11.63 an hour (85 percent of standard minimum wage).
But if your business is in Seattle, the requirements are different. It’s one of a handful of cities across the country that has a plan to phase in a $15 minimum wage (San Francisco was the first to get there).
When it comes to wages, Seattle delineates businesses by size: 500 employees or fewer and more than 501 employees.
Businesses with over 501 employees are required to pay $16.69 an hour, regardless of if they pay toward medical benefits. Seattle businesses with 500 or fewer employees must pay $15 an hour if they pay $1.69 an hour toward medical benefits and/or their employee earns $1.69/hour in tips. If that’s not the case, then the business must pay $16.69 an hour.
Keep in mind that other counties, cities, and towns may have their own minimum wage laws. You should do the research to determine which local wage laws may apply to you.
Minimum wage in Washington
| Date | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2019 | $12.00 |
| January 1, 2020 | $13.50 |
| January 1, 2021 | $13.69 |
| January 1, 2022 | $14.49 |
What’s happening to Washington’s minimum wage in the next few years?
Washington state minimum wage is set to increase 5.38% beginning January 1, 2022 to $14.49. While many states increase the minimum wage in accordance with the cost of living or inflation, Washington state decided in 2021 to make changes to the minimum wage based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. This decision will carry on to help advise future adjustments to the Washington state minimum wage.
At a more local level, some Washington cities are projected to increase minimum wages at a quicker rate than the state. In 2022, the Seattle minimum wage will likely be over $2 more than the state’s minimum wage.
Employers with 500 or fewer employees
| Pays $1.69/hour toward medical benefits and/or the employee earns $1.69/hour in tips | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Yes | No |
| 2021 | $15.00 | $16.69 |
| 2022 | $15.75 | $17.27 |
Employers with 501 or more employees
| Date | Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.69 |
| 2022 | $17.27 |
How should I prepare for changes to the minimum wage as a business owner?
Washington state and Seattle are raising wages consistently for the next few years. Each year, you should examine your business and determine how those changes might affect you. Here are a few things you may want to do:
- Know what your schedule looks like: Do your own research and talk to city officials to know exactly when the minimum wage will increase for your business.
- Audit your expenses: Check your cash flow in detail and create a hiring plan that takes wage increases into account. You may also think about the type of worker you hire. For example, if you own a retail shop, you may think about temporary or seasonal workers as needed, which can be less expensive than taking on full-time salaried employees.
- Make sure you hire the right employees: Replacing employees is expensive — in terms of both time and money. You can decrease the total cost of recruiting and training when you hire (and then retain) the right people to do the job. Look for candidates with good track records, who come recommended, and who fit in with the company culture. Once the employee is onboarded, make sure you build a relationship and provide paths for employee growth; it makes it more likely that they will stay in their role.
- Update your technology: Operational efficiencies can save you money (that you can instead spend on staff) and your staff time. Consider automating certain aspects of your work (like payroll), and find ways to reduce production costs.
As always, to make sure your business is prepared and stays in compliance (for example knowing your employee’s rights or getting an EIN, you should discuss Washington minimum wage laws with your accountant and lawyer.
