Employment
Unpaid Wages Lawyer Washington
Washington state has some of the most progressive wage protections in the country — including one of the highest minimum wages in the nation. If you have been denied wages, overtime, or any other compensation in Washington state, call Wilshire Law Firm 24/7 for a free consultation — no fees unless you get paid.
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Understanding Your Wage & Hour Case
Explore essential resources on your rights, your options, and what to expect — everything you need to navigate the legal process, all in one place.
Even with strong laws, wage theft still happens — including unpaid overtime, missed final paychecks, denied meal breaks, and worker misclassification. Common violations include:
- Unpaid or underpaid overtime: 1.5x the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week.
- Overtime salary threshold for 2026: $1,541.70 per week for employers of all sizes.
- Final paychecks: due on or before the next regularly scheduled payday.
- Minimum wage as of January 1, 2026: $17.13 per hour.
- Meal breaks: a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 hours.
- Rest breaks: paid 10-minute rest breaks for every 4 hours worked.
Washington establishes significantly higher overtime salary thresholds than federal law.
- 2026 threshold (all employers): $1,541.70 weekly ($80,168.40 annually).
- These thresholds increase annually through at least 2028.
- L&I complaints: 3 years from the date of the violation.
- Private lawsuits: 3 years (oral agreements, minimum wage, and overtime claims); 6 years (written contracts).
- Federal FLSA: 2 years (3 years for willful violations).
Workers may be able to recover unpaid wages, exemplary damages of twice the amount, interest, and attorney's fees.
You generally have two paths: filing a wage complaint with the Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), or pursuing a private lawsuit. Our Washington employment lawyers can help you decide which path fits your situation.
What Are Double Damages in a Washington Wage Case?
Under RCW 49.52.070, if your employer willfully withheld wages owed to you, you may be entitled to recover double the amount of unpaid wages. Beyond that, workers can also recover interest and attorney's fees. If you have been denied wages, overtime, or any other compensation in Washington state, call Wilshire Law Firm 24/7 for a free consultation — no fees unless you get paid.
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Wage & Hour FAQs
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We've answered the most common ones below. If yours isn't here, call us — we're available 24/7.
Washington's wage laws require covered employers to pay all earned wages, including overtime for eligible hours, and to deliver final pay on time. These protections apply to most employees regardless of job title when their duties and pay meet the legal tests. Claims can go through the Department of Labor and Industries or the courts. Workers in the Tacoma area can also visit our Tacoma Washington employment lawyer page.
Not necessarily. Whether you are exempt from overtime depends on both your salary level and your actual job duties, not simply the fact that you are paid a salary. Many salaried workers are still entitled to overtime under Washington law. An attorney can evaluate whether you were properly classified.
Washington law provides for additional damages when an employer willfully withholds wages that are owed, on top of the unpaid wages themselves. Workers may also recover interest and attorney's fees in appropriate cases. An attorney can evaluate whether the withholding was willful and what you may be able to recover.
Washington wage claims are subject to statutory filing deadlines that vary by the type of claim and how it is pursued. Because these time limits carry exceptions, confirm the exact deadline that applies to your situation promptly with an attorney. Acting early helps protect your pay records and evidence. If you work in Oregon, our Oregon unpaid wages lawyers can also help.