WASH. – Many Washington employees will see a pay increase in the new year as several wage-related standards in the state change on Jan. 1.
Minimum wage will rise to $16.28 an hour, an increase of $0.54 from 2023. Employers may pay 85 percent of that wage to workers ages 14-15 ($13.84 an hour.)
An increase in minimum wage also increases the minimum salary for certain workers to be exempt from overtime pay. Executive, administrative and professional workers who make $67,724.80 a year ($1,302.40 a week) can be exempt from overtime pay. Computer professionals who make $56.98 an hour ($2,279.20 a week), or 3.5 times the minimum wage, can be exempt.
Several agricultural workers in Washington will also see more money in their pockets, as they’ll be eligible for overtime hours after working 40 hours a week. In 2023, agricultural workers weren’t eligible for overtime until they worked 48 hours. In 2022, they weren’t eligible for overtime pay until working 55 hours.
Also starting in Jan. 2024, rideshare drivers in Washington will have an increased minimum pay per ride. Statewide, the drivers will receive a minimum of $0.37 per minute spent driving, or $1.31 for each mile during a ride, whichever is largest. Drivers are guaranteed at least $3.37 per ride given.
In Seattle, drivers will receive a minimum of $0.66 per minute spent driving, or $1.55 for each mile during a ride, whichever is largest. Seattle drivers are guaranteed at least $5.81 per ride given. Food delivery drivers are not covered in this new law.
Employees with a non-competition agreement must make more than $120,559.99 per year to be held to the agreement, an increase of $3966.81 from 2023. Independent contractors must make at least $301,399.98. If the employer does not meet these salary thresholds, any non-compete agreement is considered void and unenforceable.
For more information on wage changes in Washington, visit the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries website.
