Are employers allowed to pay tipped and non-tipped employees different wages?
In Washington, employers are allowed to pay tipped and non-tipped employees different wages. However, employers are required to meet the minimum wage requirements set by the State of Washington. For tipped employees, the minimum wage is $13.50 per hour. This is known as the “tipped minimum wage” and employers are only allowed to pay this wage if the employee receives a certain amount of tips each hour. Employers are required to make up the difference between the tipped minimum wage and the State of Washington’s minimum wage of $12.00 per hour, if the employee does not earn enough tips each hour. For non-tipped employees, employers are required to pay the State of Washington’s minimum wage of $12.00 per hour. However, employers may choose to pay their non-tipped employees more than the minimum wage if they so choose. Employers are also required to post a notice in a visible area in the workplace that explains the tipped minimum wage and the requirements for employers to pay the tipped minimum wage. It is important that employees understand their rights under Washington’s wage and hour laws. It is important to note that some cities and counties in Washington have their own minimum wage requirements that may be higher than the state’s minimum wage of $12.00 per hour. All employers should check the local laws in their area to make sure that they are meeting the minimum wage requirements for their employees.
Related FAQs
Are employers required to provide employees with work breaks?What types of benefits are covered by wage and hour law?
Are employers required to pay double time for work on holidays?
Are employers allowed to offer bonuses in lieu of wages?
What are the restrictions on working hours for minors?
How are breaks and overtime calculated?
Are employers allowed to reduce an employee’s wages while they are on vacation?
What is the federal law on overtime pay?
Are employers allowed to pay commissions in lieu of an hourly wage?
What types of financial penalties can employers face for violating wage and hour laws?
Related Blog Posts
What is Wage and Hour Law and How Does it Affect Your Business? - July 31, 2023What Employers Need to Know About Wage and Hour Law - August 7, 2023
The Basics of Payroll Law and Compliance - August 14, 2023
Compensating Your Employees - Tips for Wage and Hour Law Compliance - August 21, 2023
Understanding Overtime Rules Under Wage and Hour Law - August 28, 2023