Washington Payroll Laws (2024 Guide For Employers)

Washington payroll laws are easy to understand with access to the right information.

This guide will answer the following questions about Washington payroll laws:

• What is the Washington minimum wage?
• How does sick leave work in Washington?
• What are the overtime rules in Washington?
• How do meal breaks work in Washington?
• What are the time off rules in Washington?

Without wasting any time, let’s dive straight in.

Disclaimer: Despite our best efforts to provide you with accurate information on this topic at the time of writing, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content at the time of reading. This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific guidance on Washington payroll laws.

Minimum Wage in Washington State

The minimum wage in Washington state is subject to annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

The Washington minimum wage is currently $16.28 per hour, the highest of any state.

However, certain cities like Seattle have higher minimum wage rates.

The Seattle minimum wage ranges from $17.25 to $19.97 per hour, depending on the size of the employer and whether the employee receives medical benefits.

Overtime Rules in Washington State

Under Washington labor laws, employers must pay non-exempt employees overtime pay at a rate of 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek.

Some employees, such as agricultural workers and salespeople, may be exempt from overtime rules under state law.

Employers should refer to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for specific exemptions.

Meal Breaks & Rest Breaks in Washington State

In Washington, employers must provide a 30-minute meal break to non-exempt employees who work more than five consecutive hours.

This meal break must be provided no later than the end of the employee’s fifth hour of work.

Employers are also required to provide a 10-minute rest break for every four hours worked or major portion thereof.

Washington Paid Sick Leave & Family Medical Leave

Washington state law mandates that employers provide their employees with paid sick leave at a rate of one hour for every 40 hours worked.

Employees can use paid sick leave for various reasons, including caring for a family member, recovering from an illness, or addressing issues related to domestic violence or sexual assault.

In addition to paid sick leave, Washington employers are also required to provide paid family and medical leave.

This program is funded through premiums paid by both employers and employees, with benefits administered by the Employment Security Department.

Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for various reasons, including the birth or adoption of a child, the employee’s own serious health condition, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition.

Final Paychecks & Payroll Regulations in Washington

Washington labor laws dictate that final paychecks must be provided by the next regular payday after an employee has been terminated or resigned.

Employers must also provide employees with a statement of earnings and deductions, either in writing or electronically, at the time of each wage payment.

Regarding payroll regulations, Washington state law requires that employers pay their employees at least once per month, with paydays set at regular intervals.

Employers can use various methods to pay their employees, including cash, check, or direct deposit.

However, they must obtain written authorization from the employee to use direct deposit.

Written Employment Contracts & Job Postings

While there is no specific state law that requires a written employment contract, it is generally a good idea for employers to provide one.

A written contract can help clarify the terms and conditions of employment, such as the rate of pay, hours of work, and benefits.

When it comes to job postings, employers must comply with federal law and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.

Job postings should be clear and accurate, providing essential information about the position, including the salary range, job responsibilities, and qualifications required.

Exemptions & Special Cases in Washington

There are some exemptions and special cases in Washington labor laws that employers and employees should be aware of.

For example, certain types of employees, such as on-call employees and exempt employees, may be subject to different rules regarding meal breaks, rest breaks, and overtime pay.

Agricultural workers may have different regulations regarding overtime pay and minimum wage rates.

Some employers may also have a collective bargaining agreement in place, which can alter specific labor laws and requirements.

In these cases, employers and employees should refer to the collective bargaining agreement for guidance on labor law compliance.

Minors & Employment Law in Washington State

Washington labor laws have specific provisions regarding the employment of minors.

Generally, minors must be at least 14 years old to work in most non-agricultural jobs.

However, 12 and 13-year-olds can work in certain jobs such as newspaper delivery, and 16 and 17-year-olds can work in non-hazardous jobs for unlimited hours.

Employers must obtain a minor work permit for employees under 18 years old.

Time Off & Unpaid Leave in Washington

Alongside paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave, Washington employers are also required to provide unpaid leave for certain reasons, such as military service, jury duty, and voting.

Employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking are entitled to reasonable time off to attend court proceedings, seek medical treatment, or obtain necessary services.

Workers’ Compensation in Washington

Employers in Washington state are required to provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees, which provides medical and wage replacement benefits for employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Workers’ compensation is administered by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, and employers must pay premiums to maintain coverage.

Wage Laws & Pay Periods in Washington

Washington state wage laws regulate various aspects of employee compensation, including the frequency of pay periods, payment methods, and the calculation of overtime pay.

Employers must establish a regular pay period, which can be weekly, biweekly, semi-monthly, or monthly.

They must also pay employees at least the state minimum wage rate or the applicable minimum salary for exempt employees.

RCW & Washington Labor Laws

Washington labor laws are primarily governed by the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which contains detailed provisions related to minimum wage, overtime, meal and rest breaks, and other aspects of employment law.

Employers and employees should refer to the RCW and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries for specific guidance on labor law compliance.

Washington Payroll Laws (Closing Thoughts)

Understanding Washington payroll laws is crucial for both employers and employees in the state.

By staying informed about Washington minimum wage rates, overtime rules, meal breaks, rest breaks, paid sick leave, and other labor laws, both parties can ensure compliance.

Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice

This blog post provides a general overview of Washington labor laws but does not constitute legal advice.

Laws and regulations are subject to change, and there may be additional requirements or exemptions that apply to specific situations.

Employers and employees should consult a qualified labor law attorney for advice on their specific circumstances.

If you have any questions about your rights or obligations as an employer or employee in Washington, it is essential to consult with a labor law attorney to receive accurate information and guidance tailored to your situation.

By seeking professional legal advice, you can ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps to comply with labor laws and protect your rights.

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