New minimum wage rates effective Jan. 1, 2023

Beginning January 1, 2023, the Washington state minimum wage increased from $14.49 to $15.74 per hour. This change impacts student and non-student hourly employees, state work study and some civil service employees. 

The pay rates of student and non-student hourly employees below the new minimum wage will be automatically increased to $15.74 per hour, effective January 1, 2023. No action is required from departments to process this minimum wage increase. If other salary changes are required, departments should process such actions in accordance with university policies. Temporary Employment and Student Employment Classification/Compensation Plans are available on the HRS website.  

Additionally, the minimum wage increase impacts civil service salary range 30, step A, B and C; salary range 31, step A and B; and salary range 32, step A. These steps no longer meet the minimum wage requirement.  Effective January 1, 2023, civil service employees on these impacted salary ranges and steps will be adjusted to the correct step that meets the minimum wage requirement.

The minimum wage for Seattle exceeds the state minimum wage. Effective January 1, 2023, impacted civil service employees compensation steps will be adjusted to the correct step that meets the Seattle minimum wage requirement. Departments with employees currently working in Seattle must ensure they are paid in accordance with the city minimum wage ordinance. Departments should monitor employee work location to ensure the pay rate is correct and make necessary adjustments. 

Questions regarding these changes may be submitted to HRS here.