Employment Preemption in Seattle, WA (2026)
3 verified employment preemption rules for Seattle, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Minimum Wage Preemption
Seattle's Minimum Wage Ordinance SMC 14.19 sets a citywide floor well above Washington's, reaching $20.76 per hour in 2025 for all employers with a single rate after small-business tip and benefit credits sunset in 2025.
Seattle Minimum Wage Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code 14.19 — Minimum Wage Ordinance (SHRR Chapter 90)
Minimum Wage — Ordinance: SMC 14.19; Rules: SHRR Chapter 90. Seattle's Minimum Wage Ordinance went into effect on April 1, 2015. The Minimum Wage Ordinance sets the minimum wage for employees working within city limits. The minimum wage increases every year on January 1. Seattle's Minimum Wage starting January 1, 2025: Starting January 1, 2025, all employers, regardless of schedule size, will b...
Paid Leave Preemption
Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance SMC 14.16 requires every employer to give workers paid leave that accrues from the first hour worked, usable for illness, family care, domestic violence, and public health closures.
Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code 14.16 — Paid Sick and Safe Time (SHRR Chapter 70)
Paid Sick and Safe Time — Ordinance: SMC 14.16; Rules: SHRR Chapter 70. Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance went into effect on September 1, 2012. This law requires employers to provide employees who work in Seattle with paid leave: To care for themselves or a family member for a physical or mental health condition, including a doctor appointment; To care for themselves, a family...
Worker Scheduling Preemption
Seattle's Secure Scheduling Ordinance SMC 14.22 requires large retail and food-service employers (500+ employees worldwide; 40+ for full-service restaurants) to give 14 days advance notice of schedules and pay premiums for last-minute changes.
Secure Scheduling Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsSeattle Municipal Code 14.22 — Secure Scheduling Ordinance (SHRR Chapter 120)
Secure Scheduling — Ordinance: SMC 14.22; Rules: SHRR Chapter 120. Seattle's Secure Scheduling Ordinance went into effect on July 1, 2017. Coverage: Covers hourly employees at retail and food services establishments with 500+ employees worldwide. Full service restaurants also must have 40+ full-service locations worldwide. The Secure Scheduling Ordinance requires employers to: Display a Secure ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Seattle city rules.
Employment Preemption in King County →