Washington Registered Nurse Overtime & Pay Rules
Side-by-side statutory audit of Registered Nurse hourly wages, 1.5x overtime thresholds, shift benchmarks ($42.80/hr median), and meal break penalty pay under RCW 49.46.020.
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In Washington, a Registered Nurse is entitled to a minimum statutory base wage of $16.28/hr (State industry median: $42.80/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 Registered Nurses in Washington
Non-Exempt (Eligible for 1.5x Overtime & Shift Differential Premiums)
Registered Nurses paid on an hourly basis are non-exempt under FLSA regulations and MUST receive 1.5x overtime pay for all hours over 40.
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?
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Audit Washington Registered Nurse Overtime & Pay
Verify 2026 statutory minimum wage floors, 1.5x overtime thresholds, and meal break penalties for Registered Nurses in Washington.