Does Washington State have daily overtime after 8 hours?

No. Under Washington state law (RCW 49.46.130), overtime is calculated on a 40-hour weekly basis rather than a daily 8-hour basis, unless otherwise specified in an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.

What is the Washington State minimum wage for 2026?

The Washington State minimum wage for 2026 is $16.66 per hour for workers aged 16 and older. Certain municipalities like Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila have higher local minimum wage rates.

Are rest breaks paid in Washington State?

Yes. Under WAC 296-126-092, Washington employees must receive a paid 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of working time. Meal periods of 30 minutes may be unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of all duties.

Washington State Overtime Calculator (2026) — RCW 49.46.130 & $16.66 Min Wage

Statutory Rules & Overtime Thresholds

Threshold	Rate	Statute	Description
Weekly Hours Over 40 Hours	1.5x Regular Rate of Pay	RCW 49.46.130(1)	Mandatory 1.5x overtime compensation for all hours worked exceeding 40 in a workweek.
Washington 2026 State Minimum Wage	$16.66 / Hour Base Wage	RCW 49.46.020	Highest statutory state minimum wage in the nation, adjusted annually for inflation by L&I.
Mandatory Paid 10-Minute Rest Breaks	10 Mins Paid / 4 Hours Worked	WAC 296-126-092(4)	Employers must provide a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4-hour working period.
Mandatory 30-Minute Meal Period	30 Mins (Between 2nd & 5th Hour)	WAC 296-126-092(1)	Mandatory meal period of at least 30 minutes for shifts exceeding 5 consecutive hours.

Statutory Legal Citations

RCW 49.46.130 (Washington Minimum Wage Act - Overtime Rate)
WAC 296-126-092 (Washington L&I Meal and Rest Periods)
RCW 49.46.020 (Washington State Statutory Minimum Wage Rate)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington State have daily overtime after 8 hours?: No. Under Washington state law (RCW 49.46.130), overtime is calculated on a 40-hour weekly basis rather than a daily 8-hour basis, unless otherwise specified in an employment contract or collective bargaining agreement.
What is the Washington State minimum wage for 2026?: The Washington State minimum wage for 2026 is $16.66 per hour for workers aged 16 and older. Certain municipalities like Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila have higher local minimum wage rates.
Are rest breaks paid in Washington State?: Yes. Under WAC 296-126-092, Washington employees must receive a paid 10-minute rest period for each 4 hours of working time. Meal periods of 30 minutes may be unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of all duties.