Washington Overtime Requirements
activeWashington requires employers to pay non-exempt employees overtime at 1.5 times their regular rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Washington's salary threshold for overtime exemption is higher than the federal threshold. Agricultural workers are being phased in to overtime coverage under a multi-year schedule.
Applicability
Requirements
- Weekly Overtime Threshold Hours
- 40
- Overtime Multiplier
- 1.5
- Salary Threshold
- Description
- Washington's salary threshold for overtime exemption exceeds the federal level and is tied to the state minimum wage multiplier.
- Basis
- state_minimum_wage_multiplier
- Note
- The salary threshold is set at 2x the state minimum wage for employers with 51+ employees. Adjusted annually.
- Agricultural Worker Phase In
- Description
- Agricultural workers are being phased in to overtime eligibility on a graduated schedule.
- 2022 Threshold Hours
- 55
- 2023 Threshold Hours
- 48
- 2024 And Beyond Threshold Hours
- 40
- Note
- Dairy workers became eligible for overtime at 40 hours starting January 1, 2024.
- Exemptions
- Executive, administrative, and professional employees meeting state salary threshold, Outside salespersons, Certain computer professionals, Certain agricultural workers (during phase-in period)
Penalties
Employers who violate overtime requirements may be liable for unpaid wages, liquidated damages equal to the unpaid wages, and reasonable attorney fees and costs.
Statute of limitations: 3 years
Notes
Washington's salary threshold for the executive, administrative, and professional exemptions is significantly higher than the federal FLSA threshold. Employers must meet both state and federal requirements. Agricultural overtime was phased in through 2024 under the state's agricultural overtime law (RCW 49.46.130(2)).