Average Salary in Washington

State of United States · Data verified 2025-01-01

Minimum wage

$17.13 /hr

Average salary $6,917 /mo

+ 136% vs United States national rate #2 of 56 state Since 2026-01-01

With a population of 8 million, Washington is a state of United States whose economy centers on technology and aerospace. Its minimum wage of $17.13 per hour is 136% above the national rate. Workers earn an average gross salary of $6,917 per month. The cost of living is 7% above the national average. The median household income is $90,325 per year.

• AT A GLANCE

Rank: #2 of 56; state
vs National: +136%; United States floor
Annual (est.): $35,630; full-time, before tax
Change Since 2020: +27%; nominal wage

• SECTOR RATES

Tukwila, WA (large employers)

$21.65 /hr

Since 2026-01-01

Highest locally mandated minimum wage in the United States.

Seattle

$21.30 /hr

Since 2026-01-01

Single citywide rate for all employers as of January 1, 2026; the earlier employer-size tiers were phased out.

SeaTac (hospitality/transport workers)

$20.74 /hr

Since 2026-01-01

Applies to hospitality and transportation workers in the city of SeaTac.

Wage Breakdown

Hourly: $17.13
Monthly: $2,969.14 Based on 173.33 hours/month (40 hrs/week)
Annual: $35,630.40 Based on 2,080 hours/year

2026 rate of $17.13/hr effective January 1 (CPI-indexed annual adjustment from $16.66). Many local jurisdictions set substantially higher rates: Seattle $21.30, Tukwila $21.65, Burien up to $21.63 (large employers), all since January 1, 2026.

At this rate, a full-time worker earns approximately $35,630 /yr before tax. Whether that covers living costs depends on local prices. See United States purchasing power context.