State minimum wage to increase in 2022

OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries announced Thursday that the state minimum wage will increase to $14.49 from $13.69, beginning Jan. 1.

That is a 5.83% increase, which is attributed to rises in the prices of gas, housing, food, and household furnishings, according to a report from L & I.

The minimum wage applies to those 16 and older. For workers age 14-15, they will be paid $12.32 per hour, which is 85% of the minimum wage under the law.

Even with the state increase, cities like Seattle and SeaTac already have a higher minimum wage and can set their rates.

In 2021, SeaTac’s increased to $16.57. Seattle’s minimum is either $15.00 or $16.69 per hour, depending on the size of the employer and if that employer pays toward medical benefits, or if the worker earns $1.69 per hour in tips.

Not only are cities across western Washington increasing their minimum wage rates, but some companies are also doing it to attract and keep workers.

Dick’s Drive-In recently announced an increase in employee wages to $19 per hour, and at a couple of Seattle locations to $20 per hour.

For more information about the state’s minimum wage, click here.

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