The State of Washington has released two 2026 labor law notices. The first is a 2026 edition of the state’s Minimum Wage poster, along with an updated notice under the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. Specifically, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries revised its annual Minimum Wage Announcement poster to reflect the recent increase from $16.66 per hour to $17.13 per hour, effective January 1st, 2026. Meanwhile, the Washington State Employment Security Department released a revised Paid Family and Medical Leave notice to reflect changes to the weekly benefit range and to expand information on job protection, health care coverage, and miscellaneous benefit procedures.
What Led to the 2026 Washington Minimum Wage Increase?
A 2016 ballot initiative approved by Washington voters requires annual inflation adjustments to the state minimum wage. The forty-seven cent minimum wage increase for 2026 reflects an annual inflation adjustment based on changes to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).
What Additional Changes Occurred to the Washington Minimum Wage?
While workers over 16 must now earn at least $17.13 per hour, individuals aged 14 or 15 are eligible to earn 85% of the adult minimum wage, equivalent to $14.56 per hour as of January 1st, 2026.
It is important to note that the state's Minimum Wage Announcement poster is not required to be displayed in Washington. It is, however, an effective way to communicate the state's minimum pay rate to employees working in the state. Employers should immediately display the announcement notice or an equivalent to demonstrate compliance with the 2026 increase. The latest version of the poster includes the date (09-2025) in the bottom right corner.
What Has Changed on the Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave Notice?
The revised Paid Family & Medical Leave poster includes an increase in the weekly benefit amount from the previously set 2025 level. Last year, the partial wage replacement was capped at $1,542. In 2026, however, that partial wage replacement is now set at any amount between $100 and $1,647, depending on last year’s income.
As stated on the notice, under state law, employees can take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for the birth of a child or a serious medical condition, to care for a seriously ill family member, or military leave. Employees become eligible for such leave if they work 820 hours in a year or roughly 16 hours per week.
Other changes on the poster include information on:
- How to access the Washington State Employment Security Department’s Benefits Guide, which provides detailed information about how to apply for paid leave, file weekly claims, and learn about employee rights and responsibilities.
- The Office of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds. This agency investigates, reports, and assists in settling complaints about the leave program.
- How to receive auxiliary aids and services for individuals with disabilities.
Employers know they have the updated version of this notice if, at the bottom right, it reads “Updated December 2025.”
Employer Takeaways
Washington employers must immediately post the revised 2026 Paid Family and Medical Leave poster and are advised to display the non-mandatory 2026 Minimum Wage Announcement where employee notices are customarily posted and easily accessible. Additionally, employers who previously paid employees at a rate below the 2026 minimum must adjust employee pay accordingly.
Labor Law Posters Online's revised 2026 Washington State & Federal Labor Law Poster now includes both recently released notices. Our all-on-one compliance solution is guaranteed to include all recent updates to any required state and federal posters. Existing Labor Law Posters Online customers who purchased an annual subscription plan will receive the revised notices at no additional cost as part of their poster update service.