(updated 4/10/24)
Starting May 1, 2024, the City of Bellingham requires employers to pay the city minimum wage. As of May 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Bellingham is $17.28.
Minimum wage workers
The City’s minimum wage applies to all hours worked by employees within the geographic boundaries of the city of Bellingham. Employers with employees who are paid minimum wage and performing work within the city limits must comply with the minimum wage requirements.
Minimum wage increases
As of May 1, 2024, the current minimum wage in Bellingham is $17.28, which is $1.00 above the Washington State minimum wage for 2024. Further increases in the city minimum wage will be tied to changes to the Washington State minimum wage set under RCW 49.46.
- Starting May 1, 2025, the city minimum wage will be set at $2.00 above the applicable Washington State minimum wage.
- Every year after, starting in 2026, the city minimum wage will be set at $2.00 above the applicable Washington State minimum wage effective on January 1 every year. The city will establish the city minimum wage within two weeks of the publication of the new state minimum wage.
Enforcement of the minimum wage requirement
Employers must ensure they pay minimum wage employees the new minimum wage as of May 1, 2024. Employers must keep records (as required by RCW 49.46.070) and any other information the City may use to confirm they are complying with the minimum wage requirements.
Anyone who believes they are not receiving the correct minimum wage may bring a complaint against their employer. Employees who believe their employer is not complying with the new minimum wage rules should contact a private attorney or their union, if they have one, to pursue a complaint.
The court may require employers who violate this requirement to pay back wages or provide other forms of relief to affected employees.
