An increase to the Washington state white collar overtime exemption salary threshold was announced by the Department of Labor & Industries. It went into effect on January 1, 2026.
The threshold is $1,541.70 per week or $80,168.40 per year. These numbers are equivalent to 2.25 times the state minimum wage ($17.13 per hour) as of 2026. To qualify for the exemption, computer professionals must earn at least 3.5 times the minimum wage (in 2026, that is $59.96 per hour).
The state also announced a new Paid Family and Medical Leave rate that went into effect on January 1, 2026. The total premium rate rose to 1.13 percent of an employee’s gross wages (marking an increase over the 2025 rate of 0.92 percent). Eligible employers must contribute 28.57% of the premium, and employees must pay the remaining 71.43%. Employers with fewer than 50 employees are not required to pay any of the premium, but they still must collect the employee premium.
Other changes include enhanced job protection, paid leave, and FMLA concurrence, an expansion of small business assistance grants, clarification of health care benefits, and weekly claim minimums.
This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.
