Washington State Exempt Salary Threshold 2027
Washington's exempt salary rises 15% in 2027: $1,773 a week for employers with 51 or more employees and $1,595.70 for 1 to 50. How the two tiers work, why part-time salaries are not prorated, and what to check before January 1.
Short answer
From January 1, 2027, Washington exempt employees must earn at least $1,773 a week ($92,196 a year) if their employer has 51 or more employees, or $1,595.70 a week ($82,976.40) with 1 to 50 employees. In 2026 the figure is $1,541.70 for all employers. The threshold is not prorated for part-time schedules, and the duties test still applies.
The 2027 numbers
| Employer size | 2026 | 2027 (from January 1) | Formula in 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 or more employees | $1,541.70/wk · $80,168.40 | $1,773/wk · $92,196 | 2.5 × $17.73 × 40 hours |
| 1 to 50 employees | $1,541.70/wk · $80,168.40 | $1,595.70/wk · $82,976.40 | 2.25 × $17.73 × 40 hours |
For large employers this is a 15% increase in one year. The federal test ($684 a week) is far lower, but Washington employers must meet the higher state figure.
Does this salary pass the exempt salary test?
Pick the state, year and salary. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
How the Two Tiers Work
Washington's salary test is a multiple of the state minimum wage for a 40-hour week. In 2026 every employer uses 2.25 ×. In 2027 employers with 51 or more employees move to 2.5 ×, while employers with 50 or fewer stay at 2.25 ×. With the 2027 minimum wage of $17.73, that gives $1,773 and $1,595.70 a week. Washington L&I lists 2.5 × for large employers in 2028 as well; it has not published a 2028 figure for small employers.
Part-Time Exempt Employees Are Not Prorated
The threshold is a weekly minimum regardless of schedule. A part-time employee on a 50% schedule at a large employer must still earn the full $1,773 a week to be exempt, as the University of Washington's HR office notes in its 2027 guidance. Part-time exempt roles paid a prorated salary need a raise or reclassification by January 1.
What to Check Before January 1, 2027
- Count your employees to know which tier applies, and confirm the counting rules with L&I if you are close to 50.
- List every exempt employee in Washington and compare weekly pay with $1,773 or $1,595.70.
- Decide for each one below the line: raise the salary, or reclassify as non-exempt, track hours and pay overtime after 40 hours. The FLSA Overtime Calculator estimates the overtime cost.
- Confirm the duties test still fits the role with the exempt vs. non-exempt wizard.
Other States
California, New York, Colorado, Maine and Alaska also set salary tests above the federal level. See all of them in exempt salary threshold by state 2027.
Sources
- Washington L&I — Changes to overtime rules
- University of Washington HR — WA threshold rises 15% in 2027
- Washington State Standard — 2027 minimum wage and thresholds
- 29 CFR §541.600 — federal salary level
Frequently asked questions
What is the Washington exempt salary threshold for 2027?
$1,773 per week ($92,196 per year) for employers with 51 or more employees, and $1,595.70 per week ($82,976.40) for employers with 1 to 50 employees, effective January 1, 2027.
Why are there two Washington thresholds in 2027?
Large employers move to 2.5 times the state minimum wage in 2027, while employers with 50 or fewer employees stay at 2.25 times. Both multiply the $17.73 minimum wage by 40 hours.
Is the Washington threshold prorated for part-time exempt employees?
No. It is a weekly minimum regardless of schedule, so a part-time employee must still earn the full weekly amount to be exempt.
What was the Washington exempt salary in 2026?
$1,541.70 per week ($80,168.40 per year) for all employers: 2.25 times the $17.13 minimum wage for 40 hours.
Try our free calculators
Verify the numbers for your specific situation — built on the same DOL sources cited above.
Related reading
- California Minimum Salary for Exempt Employees 2027California's 2027 exempt salary is $72,384 a year ($1,392 a week), and computer software professionals need $127,108.34. What changes on January 1, how the numbers are set, and what to do with salaries below the line.
- Exempt Salary Threshold by State 2027 (and 2026)The federal exempt salary stays at $684/week in 2027, but California, Washington and other states set much higher floors. Table of 2026 and 2027 thresholds with sources, and a quick salary check.
- Minimum Wage by State 2027: Every Increase on January 1Fifteen states raise their minimum wage on January 1, 2027, New York freezes, and more increases follow mid-year. Full table with the source for each rate.
Not legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only. Compliance obligations depend on employer-specific facts, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable jurisdictions. Consult qualified counsel before acting on any information here.