Washington Fast Food & Counter Worker Overtime & Pay Rules
Side-by-side statutory audit of Fast Food & Counter Worker hourly wages, 1.5x overtime thresholds, shift benchmarks ($16.50/hr median), and meal break penalty pay under RCW 49.46.020.
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In Washington, a Fast Food & Counter Worker is entitled to a minimum statutory base wage of $16.28/hr (State industry median: $16.50/hr). Overtime is calculated at 1.5x regular rate after 40 hours per week under RCW 49.46.020.
Visual Pay Composition Breakdown
FLSA Exemption & Overtime Rules for Fast Food & Counter Workers in Washington
Non-Exempt (Eligible for 1.5x Overtime & Fast Food Minimum Wage Badges)
Non-exempt hourly position under FLSA § 213. California AB 1228 mandates a $20.00/hr fast food minimum wage across all major fast food chains.
Washington Labor Code & FLSA Authority
Statutory 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.
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.
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.
Audit Washington Fast Food & Counter Worker Overtime & Pay
Verify 2026 statutory minimum wage floors, 1.5x overtime thresholds, and meal break penalties for Fast Food & Counter Workers in Washington.