The rules in Washington
- Overtime after 40 hours in a workweek at 1.5 times the regular rate, under the Washington Minimum Wage Act. No daily overtime.
- Minimum wage 2026: $17.13 an hour statewide, so overtime is at least $25.70. Seattle, SeaTac and some other cities set higher local minimums. The state rate rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027.
- Farmworkers are owed overtime after 40 hours, the same as other workers.
- Breaks: a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked, and a 30-minute meal period for shifts over 5 hours.
Salaried workers in Washington
In 2026 an exempt executive, administrative or professional employee must earn at least $1,541.70 a week ($80,168.40 a year), which is 2.25 times the state minimum wage for 40 hours, and meet the duties tests. That is much higher than the federal threshold, so many salaried workers in Washington are owed overtime. The threshold keeps rising until it reaches 2.5 times the minimum wage in 2028.
Worked example
Four 10-hour days and one 4-hour day at $25 an hour: 44 hours. That is 40 × $25 = $1,000 plus 4 × $37.50 = $150. Gross: $1,150.
Sources: Washington L&I: 2026 minimum wage · Washington L&I: Overtime · US Department of Labor: Overtime Pay
Questions
Does Washington State have daily overtime?
No. Washington pays overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Long days alone are not overtime.
What is the minimum wage in Washington in 2026?
$17.13 an hour statewide, rising to $17.73 on January 1, 2027. Some cities, including Seattle and SeaTac, have higher minimums.
How much must a salaried employee earn to be exempt in Washington?
At least $1,541.70 a week ($80,168.40 a year) in 2026, plus meeting the duties tests for executive, administrative or professional work.