Washington State Raises Minimum Wage for 2013
Posted on Fri, Dec 28, 2012
The minimum wage in the state of Washington will rise to $9.19 on Jan. 1, 2013. Employers can pay 14- and 15-year-olds a lower wage of $7.81 per hour, or 85 percent of the minimum wage.
The new minimum wage is a 15-cent increase from the current rate of $9.04. Full-time workers earning minimum wage will now earn an annual gross pay of $19,115.20.
Washington is one of 10 states that tie minimum wage increases to a rise in the cost of living. Washington's minimum wage is the highest in the U.S.
The minimum wage in the state of Washington applies to workers in both agricultural and non-agricultural fields. Employers must pay the minimum wage for all hours worked, including opening and closing the business and any meetings or training required for the employee. Tips cannot be considered as part of the minimum wage.
The state does not publish a separate poster each time the minimum wage changes. However, Washington employers must post "Your Rights as a Worker" for their employees.
For more information, refer to the the Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries.
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