Washington State and Bellingham Minimum Wage in 2026
- Summit Bookkeeping
- Oct 2
- 2 min read
Disclaimer: This post is meant for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal, business, or tax advice. Please consult with your accountant or bookkeeper for more information based on your specific situation.
Every year, Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) updates the minimum wage to keep up with the cost of living. If you’re an employer in Washington state with employees currently earning minimum wage, you will need to update your payroll beginning January 1, 2026.
Washington State Minimum Wage in 2026
The Washington State minimum wage will increase to $17.13 per hour in 2026, up 2.8% from $16.66 per hour in 2025.
Employers should plan ahead to ensure payroll is updated with the new rate beginning in 2026. Failure to comply with minimum wage requirements may result in fines or penalties.
It’s important to note that the following Washington cities have established minimum wages higher than the state rate:
Bellingham
Everett
Seattle
SeaTac
Tukwila
Renton
Burien
If your business operates in any of these cities or you employ workers within their city limits, you must follow local minimum wage requirements.
City of Bellingham Minimum Wage in 2026
In Bellingham, the local minimum wage is $2.00 above the state’s due to the passing of Initiative No. 2023-01.
That means beginning January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in Bellingham will be $19.13 per hour.
Payroll Processing Service in Bellingham, WA
Keeping up with payroll changes can be complex. At Summit Bookkeeping, we offer complete payroll services as part of our full-charge bookkeeping support, helping businesses of all sizes stay compliant with federal, state, and local requirements.
Whether you need help with payroll processing, managing benefits, or staying current on wage laws, our team is here to help. Call us at (360) 756-5020 to learn more about our payroll and bookkeeping services to see if we’re a good fit for your business.
