Originally published September 30, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified October 1, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Washington's minimum wage rises to $8.55 in January

Washington's minimum wage will increase 48 cents to $8.55 per hour in 2009, the Department of Labor and Industries announced Tuesday.

By Noelene Clark

Seattle Times staff reporter

Washington's minimum wage will increase 48 cents to $8.55 per hour in 2009.

The wage increase, which takes effect Jan. 1, is the result of a voter initiative 10 years ago requiring the Department of Labor and Industries to adjust the state minimum wage each year according to change in a national cost-of-living index.

The department recalculates the minimum wage every September and announced the 48-cent increase Tuesday.

The Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers increased 5.9 percent, compared to last year's 1.8 percent, which led to a 14-cent increase.

The new $8.55 minimum wage applies to workers in both agricultural and nonagricultural jobs, the department said. Workers ages 14 to 15 may be paid 85 percent of the adult minimum wage, which will be $7.27 in 2009.

Employers and workers can call 360-902-5316 or 866-219-7321, or visit Wages.Lni.wa.gov for more information.

Noelene Clark: 206-464-2321 or nclark@seattletimes.com

More Local News headlines...

Print Share: Digg Newsvine