OLYMPIA — Washington state’s minimum wage is increasing to $9.04 an hour starting in January.
The Department of Labor and Industries announced the change today, raising the barrier from $8.67 an hour. The move will keep the state’s minimum wage as the highest in the nation.
Washington’s minimum wage is adjusted each year for inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index for the past 12 months, which is up more than 4 percent. The CPI adjustment is required by voter-approved Initiative 688 in 1998.
Oregon has the second highest minimum wage and recently announced that it will rise to $8.80 an hour in 2012.
Washington’s minimum wage applies to workers in both agricultural and non-agricultural jobs, although 14 and 15-year-olds may be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage, or $7.68 in 2012.
More information on Washington’s minimum wage is available at Wages.Lni.wa.gov.