What is the minimum wage in my state?
In Washington state, the minimum wage is $13.50 per hour for most occupations. In 2021, this is a 7.3% increase from the previous minimum wage of $12.50 per hour. Some workers are exempt from this minimum wage law. Examples of these workers include independent contractors, newspaper carrier, farm workers, and most workers under 14 years old. Additionally, workers that receive tips, such as restaurant workers, may have their wages supplemented by those tips. The law also requires employers to pay certain premiums for overtime work. This means that an employee must be paid at least 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for all hours worked above 40 in a week. Finally, the law also requires employers to provide employees with at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted rest after each 5 hours of work, and one day of rest within every seven days. Overall, the Washington state minimum wage is $13.50 per hour, but there are limits and exemptions to this law. If an employee’s wages do not meet the legal requirements, the employer may be liable for a penalty for not providing legally mandated wages. It is important for both employers and employees to familiarize themselves with the law in order to ensure compliance.
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