Minimum Wage Ordinance
Seattle's Minimum Wage Ordinance went into effect on April 1, 2015. The Minimum Wage Ordinance applies to overtime-eligible employees who work in Seattle. Every year Seattle's Minimum Wage increases on January 1. OLS announces the upcoming year's minimum wage increase by September 30 of each year. For large employers in 2019, the minimum wage will increase to reflect the rate of inflation, based on the Seattle-Tacoma-Bremerton Area Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). For small employers, the minimum wage increase follows a schedule established by the minimum wage ordinance.
Minimum WageFor Large Employers (501 or more employees) |
|
| Does employer pay toward medical benefits? | |
| No | Yes |
| $15.45/hour | $15.00/hour |
| Large Employers: More Information | |
Minimum WageFor Small Employers (500 or fewer employees) |
|
| Does employer pay $2.50/hour toward medical benefits and/or does employee earn $2.50/hour in tips? | |
| No | Yes |
| $14.00/hour | $11.50/hour |
| Small Employers: More Information | |
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Publications & Resources
Questions & Answers (Q&A)
More Information
- Mayor’s Office
- City Council
- Paycheck Politics, Seattle Channel
- Comparison Chart -- Seattle and State Minimum Wage/Paid Sick Leave
Rules and Ordinances
- Administrative Rules -
Practices for Administering Minimum Wage and Minimum Compensation Rates Under SMC 14.19 (Chapter 90) - Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) -
Minimum Wage and Minimum Compensation Rates for Employees Performing Work in Seattle (Chapter 14.19) - Other -
The Office of Labor Standards has jurisdiction within Seattle city limits.
If your situation does not qualify for investigation by us, we will refer you to another agency for help.
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The SDCI interactive mapping tool can be used to determine if a particular location, based on the address, is within Seattle's city limits. It's as easy as entering your address in the top left hand corner of the map. Instructions for using this interactive mapping tool can be found here.