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Washington: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 11 topic we track for Washington on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Washington compares.
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Workers' comp deadlines · Workers' comp benefits · Paid leave programs · Minimum wage · Final paycheck rules · Unemployment benefits · Meal break laws · Tipped minimum wage · Payday frequency · Rest break laws · Noncompete laws
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Tell your employer | As soon as possible |
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| File a claim | 1 year from injury; occupational disease 2 years after a doctor tells you |
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| Waiting period | 3 days |
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| Waiting days paid back | After 14 days |
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| Max weekly benefit (2026) | – |
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| State program | Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave |
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| Status | Paying benefits since 2020 |
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Minimum wage Checked on official source
| State minimum wage | $17.13 |
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| Next change | $17.73 on Jan. 1, 2027 |
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| If you are fired | End of the pay period |
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| If you quit | End of the pay period |
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| Maximum weekly benefit | $1,208 |
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| How long it lasts | Up to 26 weeks |
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| Meal break required | 30 minutes when working more than 5 hours, between the 2nd and 5th hour |
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| Minimum cash wage | $17.13 |
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| Most tips can count | None: full minimum before tips |
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| Required frequency | At least monthly |
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| Paid rest break | Paid 10 minutes per 4 hours worked; no more than 3 hours without a break |
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| Noncompetes | Restricted by pay level or job |
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