Washington vs Oregon minimum wage 2026
At 40 hours per week, the gross-pay gap between Washington and Oregon is $3,286.40 per year at each state's standard minimum.[DOL WHD]
| Measure | WAWashington | OROregon |
|---|---|---|
| Standard minimum (2026) | $17.13 | $15.55 |
| In effect | effective 2026-01-01 | effective 2026-07-01 |
| Tipped cash wage | $17.13 | $15.55 |
| Tip credit ceiling | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Indexed to inflation | Yes | Yes |
| Next scheduled step | $17.73 on 2027-01-01 | None |
| vs federal $7.25 | +$9.88 | +$8.30 |
| Gross at 40 hours/week | $685.20 / week | $622.00 / week |
| Gross at 40 hours/year | $35,630.40 | $32,344.00 |
| Net after federal tax and FICA (annual, before state tax) | $30,809.03 | $28,168.40 |
Why the gap exists
DOL: Adjusted annually Washington: Businesses may not use tips and service charges paid to an employee as part of an employee's hourly minimum wage.
And on the other side
DOL: $15.55 standard, $16.80 Portland metro, $14.55 non-urban counties Oregon: Tip credits are illegal in Oregon. BOLI states only that increases are based on inflation and take effect on 1 July each year. No 2027 figure is published.