Washington RCW 49.46 establishes a state minimum wage with annual CPI adjustments and permits cities to set higher local minimum wages, unlike many preemption states.
Washington's Minimum Wage Act, RCW chapter 49.46, sets a statewide minimum wage that adjusts annually based on the Consumer Price Index. As of 2026 the state minimum wage is $16.66 per hour, among the highest state minimums in the country. Unlike many states, Washington does not preempt local minimum wage ordinances; cities including Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Bellingham, Renton, and Burien have adopted higher local minimum wages. The state law sets a floor below which no employer may pay covered employees. Tipped employees are paid the full minimum wage with no tip credit allowed. Workers under 16 may be paid 85 percent of the minimum. The Department of Labor and Industries enforces wage requirements.
Employers paying below minimum wage face back wage liability, double damages, attorney fees, and civil penalties under RCW 49.46.100. Willful violations may include criminal misdemeanor penalties.
Kennewick, WA
Industrial-source noise crossing into Kennewick residential neighborhoods is capped by WAC 173-60-040 at 60 dBA during the day and 50 dBA between 10:00 p.m. ...
Kennewick, WA
Motor vehicle noise on Kennewick streets is governed by the statewide motor vehicle noise performance standards in WAC Chapter 173-62, which set in-use sound...
Kennewick, WA
Tri-Cities Airport (KPSC) is operated by the Port of Pasco and sits across the Columbia River in Franklin County, not Kennewick. Aircraft noise in Kennewick ...
Kennewick, WA
Amplified music in Kennewick is regulated under the Kennewick Municipal Code's public-disturbance noise provisions, which treat amplified sound that is plain...
Kennewick, WA
Kennewick has not codified a gas leaf blower ban, a decibel cap specific to leaf blowers, or restricted hours of operation. Use is governed by the general pu...
Kennewick, WA
Persistent or habitual barking, howling, or other animal noise that disturbs the peace is regulated as a public-disturbance noise nuisance under the Kennewic...
See how Kennewick's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
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