The minimum wage in unincorporated King County increased on Jan. 1, 2025.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, the Department of Local Services will host two public meeting about the proposed administrative rules. These rules frame how the wage is calculated for various businesses.

In the last several days, the most popular question we’re getting is, “What is the difference between unincorporated King County and King County? I am in King County, so does this apply to me?”

“King County” is the entire county. It is the county that separates Pierce County and Snohomish County. It’s huge and has 2.1 million residents. Unincorporated King County is WITHIN King County. It’s all the land and residents who do NOT live in an incorporated city like Seattle, Bellevue, Black Diamond or even Duvall. Combined, unincorporated King County accounts for 250,000 residents.

Use this link to find out if you are in unincorporated King County. Put the address in the search box. If the address is in the dark grey or dark green area, you are in unincorporated King County, and the new minimum wage applies to you. If it is white, the address is in a city and you are not in unincorporated King County.

Some cities within King County also have their own minimum wage: Burien, Renton, SeaTac, Seattle and Tukwila. It’s important you check with each of these cities. Other areas within King County should use the Washington state minimum wage.

If you’d like to join our public meeting on the minimum wage and share your thoughts, read the ordinance, the rules, and get zoom information here: https://publicinput.com/kcwage.

If you’d like to know the minimum wage in every jurisdiction (city) across Washington State, go to this state website: https://lni.wa.gov/workers-rights/wages/minimum-wage/

We recognize that the different minimum wages across King County can be confusing. We’re happy to answer your questions.