{"id":377163,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-wage-and-hour-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-06-13T14:59:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T19:59:11","slug":"washington-wage-and-hour-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-wage-and-hour-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Wage and Hour Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington Wage and Hour Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

The state of Washington has laws in place for employee wages. Washington employers must follow federal and state minimum wage and overtime laws<\/a>. The article below answers important questions about paying employees under Washington state law. This includes minimum wages, overtime pay, and the frequency and manner of payday requirements during a pay period.<\/p>\r\n

Washington Wages and Hours Laws: Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\r\n

The laws in the state of Washington guarantee workers one of the highest minimum pay rates in the nation. For information on other financial topics, check out FindLaw’s Wage and Hour Law<\/a> section.<\/p>\r\n

How often does an employer have to meet payday requirements?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Washington employers must pay their hourly employees at least once a month. Workers who have their paychecks bounce for insufficient funds within 30 days can file a Workplace Rights Complaint<\/a>. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries<\/a> can help recover fees as well as investigate complaints for unpaid wages or workers\u2019 rights violations. If you have a complaint about discrimination, like national origin or sexual orientation, you can file a civil lawsuit<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

What method of payments can a Washington employer use?<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

An employer can pay a worker by:<\/p>\r\n