Washington · updated 2026-10
Washington Overtime & Break Laws
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
Overtime
40h / week
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek.
1.5x after 40 in a 7-day workweek; no daily overtime. Exempt salary threshold is 2.25x minimum wage ($1,541.70/week in 2026); private employers cannot give comp time in place of overtime.
Meal break
30 min
Yes: 30 minutes for shifts over 5 hours, usually unpaid. 30 min starting between hour 2 and hour 5 for shifts over 5 hours; a second 30 min within 5 hours of the first meal on long shifts (or 3+ hours past the normal day). Paid if the employee must stay on duty; employee may waive.
Rest breaks
10 min paid
Yes: a paid 10-minute rest break per 4 hours worked. Paid 10 min per 4 hours worked, near the midpoint; no more than 3 hours without a rest break; cannot be waived.
Minimum wage
$17.13
$17.13 an hour (since 2026-01-01). No tip credit. Local 2026 rates: Seattle $21.30, SeaTac $20.74 (hospitality/transportation), Tukwila $21.65, Renton/Burien/Everett/unincorporated King County ~$18-21.65 by employer size, Bellingham $19.13. State rate rises to $17.73 on 2027-01-01.
Washington time card
| Day | Clock in | Break min | Clock out | Hours |
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Washington pay and break questions
When does overtime start in Washington?
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek. 1.5x after 40 in a 7-day workweek; no daily overtime. Exempt salary threshold is 2.25x minimum wage ($1,541.70/week in 2026); private employers cannot give comp time in place of overtime.
Are lunch breaks required in Washington?
Yes: 30 minutes for shifts over 5 hours, usually unpaid. 30 min starting between hour 2 and hour 5 for shifts over 5 hours; a second 30 min within 5 hours of the first meal on long shifts (or 3+ hours past the normal day). Paid if the employee must stay on duty; employee may waive.
Are rest breaks required in Washington?
Yes: a paid 10-minute rest break per 4 hours worked. Paid 10 min per 4 hours worked, near the midpoint; no more than 3 hours without a rest break; cannot be waived.
What is the minimum wage in Washington?
$17.13 an hour (since 2026-01-01). No tip credit. Local 2026 rates: Seattle $21.30, SeaTac $20.74 (hospitality/transportation), Tukwila $21.65, Renton/Burien/Everett/unincorporated King County ~$18-21.65 by employer size, Bellingham $19.13. State rate rises to $17.73 on 2027-01-01.
Workers under 18 in Washington
Teens have extra limits on hours and times of day, and may need a work permit. See Washington teen work rules and which employers hire at 14 and 15.
Questions or a complaint? Contact the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).