Washington paid family and medical leave
Premium 1.13% of gross wages in 2026; benefits up to $1,647 per week
Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave is funded by a premium of 1.13% of gross wages in 2026 (up to the Social Security wage cap), split 71.43% employee and 28.57% employer; the employer share applies only to employers with 50 or more employees. Workers with 820 hours in the qualifying period can receive up to 90% of their weekly pay, up to a 2026 maximum of $1,647 per week.
- Effective
- Jan 1, 2026
Local notes & what to do
Washington has the highest state minimum wage in the country ($17.13 in 2026) and allows no tip credit. Its exempt salary threshold is also the nation's highest - $80,168.40 in 2026, set at 2.25 times the minimum wage at every employer size and scheduled to reach 2.5 times in 2028. Paid family and medical leave premiums rose to 1.13% of wages in 2026, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,647. Several Puget Sound cities set wages well above the state rate.