Tacoma voters passed Initiative 1B in 2015 to raise the local minimum wage, but the local floor was structured to track the higher Washington state minimum, which sits at $16.66 per hour for 2026 under RCW 49.46.020.
Tacoma's local minimum wage law, Initiative 1B, took effect in 2015 and phased the local floor upward, but it was written so that whenever the Washington state minimum wage exceeded the Tacoma rate, the state rate controlled. With Washington's wage now indexed annually under RCW 49.46.020, the state minimum has surpassed Tacoma's local schedule and stands at $16.66 in 2026. As a result, Tacoma employers simply pay the state minimum to workers age 16 and over. Local minors and learners may earn 85 percent of the state rate, and tip credits remain banned statewide.
Paying below the state minimum, taking an illegal tip credit, or failing to pay overtime at one and one-half times the state rate exposes the employer to back wages, double damages, and Washington Labor and Industries enforcement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit in TMC 13.06 a...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. The Noise Code (TMC 8.122) applies to continuously running blower motors...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified ...
Tacoma, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Tacoma require building permits from Planning and Development Services (PDS) when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas pip...
Tacoma, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Tacoma single-family yards are permitted but subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section 9.11, ...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma adopts the International Fire Code through TMC Title 3 (Fire Prevention) as Tacoma Fire Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices...
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