Per state statute, Washington’s minimum wage increases each year as a function of increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W). Effective January 1, 2023, Washington’s Minimum Wage will increase to $15.74 per hour—up from 2022’s rate of $14.49.

Likewise, the minimum salary required for an employee to be exempt under the Executive, Administrative, and Professional exemptions (commonly referred to as the White Collar exemptions) will increase this year as a result of inflation and also the phase-in adjustment for larger employers.

In 2023, Washington employers with up to 50 employees will have to pay a weekly salary of $1,101.80 (annually, $57,293.60) to treat an employee as exempt from overtime and other requirements.

Washington employers with 51 or more employees will have to pay a weekly salary of $1,259.20 (annually, $65,478.40) in 2023 to treat an employee as exempt from overtime and other requirements.

Computer Professionals can be exempt either under the minimum salary requirement, or alternatively, if they are paid at least $55.09 per hour for all hours worked.

As a reminder, these White Collar exemptions also require that an employee meet a duties test, in addition to being paid at least the applicable required minimum salary.