Washington’s minimum wage standard

Washington is one of 10 states with a cost of living adjustment to its minimum wage, and one of 9 with a rate of $8.00 or more. Beginning in 2012, Washington will be the only state with a minimum wage above $9.00.
Minimum wage workers are disproportionately young, female, and people of color, but more than half are over age 25 and 20% are over age 45.
Between February 2010 and November 2011, jobs in Washington grew by 2.5%. The sectors with the highest concentrations of minimum wage jobs kept pace with or exceeded that rate of growth, including accommodation and food service (4.8% growth), health care and social assistance (3.1%), and retail (2.4%).
Although Washington’s minimum wage allows a full-time worker to maintain a family of 3 above the official federal poverty line, it falls below the level necessary to meet basic living expenses for a single adult in most parts of the state – and many minimum wage jobs do not provide full-time work.
Contrary to claims that a strong minimum wage leads to job loss or discrimination against less experienced workers, research continues to show good wages are better for workers and businesses alike.

Protecting workers and families during tough economic times