Washington Overtime & Paycheck Calculator
Advanced Tax & Paycheck Deductions (Optional) ▼
Visual Pay Composition Breakdown
Managing payroll or shift workers in CALIFORNIA?
Avoid Department of Labor non-compliance fines. Automate state-specific overtime, double-time rules, tip credits, and statutory tax withholdings with Gusto Payroll Automation.
Washington Statutory Wage & Overtime Authority
Statutory Legal Citation: RCW 49.46.020
Washington State has the highest statewide minimum wage in the nation ($16.28/hr). Tip credits are strictly illegal; employers must pay the full direct rate.
Employee Statutory Rights (WA)
- ✓ Highest state minimum wage of $16.28/hr.
- ✓ Prohibition of tip credits; all tips belong entirely to the employee.
- ✓ Mandatory 1 hour paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked under Initiative 1433.
Employer Mandatory Obligations (WA)
- § Pay full $16.28 direct cash minimum wage before tips.
- § Provide 30-minute meal break and 10-minute paid rest breaks.
- § Allow sick leave rollover of up to 40 hours per year.
Washington Statutory Wage & Overtime FAQs
What is the minimum wage in Washington for 2026? ↓
Under statutory citation RCW 49.46.020, the 2026 minimum wage in Washington is $16.28 per hour. Employers paying below this baseline face Department of Labor back-pay audits and statutory interest penalties.
Does Washington mandate daily overtime pay? ↓
Washington follows the standard federal FLSA rule (Title 29 U.S.C. § 207). Overtime is calculated weekly for hours exceeding 40 hours in a 7-day workweek with no daily cap.
Can employers in Washington take a tip credit against wage rates? ↓
Washington strictly prohibits tip credits. Employers must pay tipped staff the full statutory minimum wage of $16.28/hr in direct cash pay before tips.
Common Washington Payroll Compliance Traps & Audit Penalties
Attempting tip credit deductions against Washington minimum wage.
Failing to calculate sick leave accrual on all overtime hours.
Misclassifying computer professionals under strict state salary threshold test.
Did Your Employer Violate Washington Labor Law?
30-Second Diagnostic • Sourced from RCW 49.46.020
Based on Washington labor code standards (RCW 49.46.020), your responses indicate potential statutory wage violations.
Never Miss an Overtime Dollar or Statutory Rate Update
Set weekly payday audit reminders & Washington labor code alert updates
Add a recurring Friday payday paystub audit reminder directly to your phone calendar.
Employer Statutory Violation & Penalty Risk Audit
Department of Labor & State Compliance Fine Exposure in Washington
Under FLSA § 216(b), mandatory double back pay is assessed for unpaid overtime.
1 hour regular rate premium pay per workday missed under state law.
Waiting time statutory penalties for delayed final paycheck settlement.
Automate state-specific overtime thresholds, tip credits, and meal breaks with Gusto Payroll & multi-state compliance partners.
FLSA & WA Overtime Exemption Checklist
Determine if an employee is legally exempt from overtime under state and federal law
Earns at least $844/week ($43,888/yr federal minimum) or state higher threshold (e.g. CA $66,560/yr).
Primary duty involves managing business operations, directing 2+ staff, or exercising independent judgment.
Receives a predetermined, non-deductible salary regardless of quality or quantity of weekly work.
Managing payroll or shift workers in Washington?
Avoid Department of Labor non-compliance fines. Automate state-specific overtime, double-time rules, tip credits, and statutory tax withholdings with Gusto Payroll Automation.
Embed This Washington Calculator on Your Website
HR blogs, news portals, and labor websites can embed this interactive 2026 Washington wage tool for free using the code snippet below: