King County, WA Minimum Wage description:
Effective January 1, 2026, the minimum hourly wage in unincorporated King County will be $20.82. There will be three temporary exceptions, based on business size and gross revenue.
| If the employer has… | The 2026 minimum wage is… |
|---|---|
| 15 or fewer employees and an annual gross revenue of less than $2 million | $18.32 per hour |
| 15 or fewer employees and an annual gross revenue of $2 million or more | $19.82 per hour |
| More than 15 employees but fewer than 500 employees and gross revenue of any amount | $19.82 per hour |
| More than 500 employees and gross revenue of any amount | $20.82 per hour |
The new minimum wage applies only to the unincorporated areas of King County. Those that are not inside a city. Affected areas include Skyway, White Center, the Snoqualmie Valley, Greater Maple Valley, the Enumclaw Plateau, and Vashon Island.
