The minimum wage in Washington State is set to increase between 2021 and 2023. This increase is meant to combat wage stagnation, rising expenses due to inflation, and an overall increase in the cost of living. In 2021, Washington’s minimum wage increased to $13.69 an hour, and it has been projected to increase to $14.15 in 2022 and $15.00 in 2023.
The Washington State minimum wage is determined by a cost of living index, which is calculated using the federal Consumer Price Index (CPI). Each year, if the cost of living index grows faster than the minimum wage, then the minimum wage increases to keep pace with the growth in inflation. If, however, the cost of living index decreases, then the minimum wage remains the same as it was in the previous year. The CPI is designed to measure the average change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services over time.
Under the Fair Work Act of 2020, Washington State is also raising a few additional requirements to the minimum wage. For example, employers are now required to pay workers the minimum wage for all hours worked in a given day, rather than what had previously been the norm of requiring a single, full pay period’s minimum wage. The Legislature also clarified that employers who pay employees on a piece-rate or commission basis must ensure they are paid at least the minimum wage for all hours worked.
These changes to the minimum wage in Washington State will have a positive effect on workers, particularly those in lower paying professions. Several organizations have endorsed the increases, such as the Economic Opportunity Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing economic inequities and building an inclusive economy.
The minimum wage increase in 2023 will lift many people out of poverty and create opportunities for individuals to pursue opportunities for career growth. It will also reduce working poverty and increase purchasing power, especially for essential household items. In addition, raising the minimum wage will benefi t businesses statewide, leading to a more productive workforce and a healthier economy.
The minimum wage increase in Washington State is a vital step towards creating a fair and secure job market for workers. With the increased wage, individuals can secure better-paying jobs, access to better working conditions, and invest in their future with the help of higher wages. By 2023, Washington State workers will benefit greatly from the increase in the minimum wage, leading to stronger wages and a more productive economy.
