For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Office of Labor Standards Provides Business Support for 2026 Minimum Wage Increase
Seattle, WA (October 1, 2025) – The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) provides support and resources to small businesses in advance of the 2026 increase to the Seattle minimum wage, effective January 1, 2026.
Starting January 1, 2026, businesses will pay employees $21.30 per hour. The Minimum Wage Ordinance sets the minimum wage for employees working within city limits. Seattle’s current 2025 minimum wage is $20.76/hour.
“Seattle continues to lead the nation in standing up for working people, and we are committed to building a city where all workers are treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve,” said Mayor Harrell. “We know that our entire city thrives when our business owners and workers have the tools to succeed, and the Office of Labor Standards will continue to provide robust outreach, education, and resources to help build a strong, equitable economy.”
“Compliance with the Minimum Wage Ordinance and Seattle’s labor standards begins with proactive outreach and education. It’s essential for all businesses to be aware of the minimum wage increase and potential impacts before it takes effect on January 1, 2026. OLS will continue to offer support to help businesses prepare for the increase so they can continue to pay their employees accurately and ensure workplace rights are upheld. Businesses should know they can rely on OLS as a trusted resource,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese.
OLS outreach will include:
- Mailing a revised workplace poster containing information on labor standards for 2026 to every business with a Seattle business license
- Providing copies of the workplace poster in English (click here) and translations into more than 30 other languages (click here)
- Offering a quarterly training on November 12 at 2:00 PM with an emphasis on the 2026 minimum wage and Seattle’s Minimum Wage Ordinance (click here)
- Providing free technical assistance to business owners
- Capacity building and compliance assistance to small businesses through Business Outreach and Education Fund partners
“Business Impact NW has been proud to partner with the Office of Labor Standards since 2019 to ensure that small business owners have the tools they need to understand and comply with Seattle’s labor standards. Questions about the minimum wage are among the most frequent topics we hear in our coaching sessions and classes, and the recent increase has shown how important clear, accessible information is for entrepreneurs,” said Business Impact NW Project Manager Barbara Orts. “The minimum wage matters because it helps ensure workers are paid a livable wage, which supports families and sustains the strength of our local economy. By working together, we are not only increasing awareness of the law but also ensuring that Seattle’s diverse small business community can thrive while honoring the rights of their employees.”
- Help for businesses: For free and private compliance assistance with any Seattle labor standard, or to schedule a training, call 206-256-5297, email business.laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out a web form.
- Sign up for the OLS newsletter for the latest updates on Seattle labor standards on the OLS website.
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