Beginning April 1, both large employers (501 employees or more) and small (500 or fewer employees) located in SEATTLE must pay their employees no less than a hourly rate of $11/hr. – or a base of $10/hr. and make up the difference with an employer contribution to a medical benefits plan.

And if you’re an “outside of Seattle employer,” don’t assume this wage increase isn’t relevant to you! While the minimum wage mandate does not yet apply to most employers other than those in SeaTac and Seattle metro, you’ll likely need to watch some employees who may be willing to drive a few miles north or south just to put an extra $1/hr. in their pocket.

To learn more about Seattle’s Minimum Wage go to minimumwage@seattle.gov.