L&I Education Minute: 2025 Minimum Wage Increase Announced

Minimum wage is adjusted annually based on the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). On Sept. 30, L&I announced the minimum wage increase for 2025. With a $0.38 increase, the minimum wage will be $16.66/hour beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

Many regions throughout the state, especially in King County, have a higher regional minimum wage. Wherever there is a variance, the more generous minimum wage must apply. There are currently five regional variances, with more coming in 2025. Check out the Minimum Wage section of the Small Business Guide as a useful tool for regional variances.