Washington offer letter for employers
An offer letter confirms the job, pay, start date and employment terms in writing. Here is what changes when the employee works in Washington.
Washington rules that affect this form
| Minimum wage | $17.13 per hour Verify |
|---|---|
| Overtime | Time-and-a-half over 40 hours per week; no daily overtime requirement. Agricultural workers are also covered by state overtime. Verify |
| Paid sick leave | Yes. 1 hour per 40 hours worked, usable after 90 days of employment; no state cap on accrual or annual use, and employers must carry over up to 40 unused hours to the next year. Covers full-time, part-time and seasonal workers. |
| Other rules to know | Employers with 15+ employees must include the wage scale or salary range and a general description of benefits and other compensation in job postings. Non-competes are void for employees earning under $126,858.83 (2026 threshold); a 2026 law will ban nearly all non-competes effective June 30, 2027. Washington also runs a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave insurance program. Verify |
What to include
- Job title, manager, start date and work location (or remote status)
- Pay rate and pay frequency, and whether the role is exempt or non-exempt from overtime
- At-will employment statement (where at-will applies) so the letter is not read as a contract
- Contingencies such as a background check or Form I-9 verification
- Benefits summary and when eligibility starts, including any paid sick leave the state requires
- A clear accept-by date and signature line
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Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Washington offer letter form?
Washington does not publish one required offer letter for private employers. Use a clear template and make sure it reflects the Washington rules on this page.
What is the minimum wage in Washington in 2026?
$17.13 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Rises to $17.73 on January 1, 2027 (announced by L&I). Workers aged 14-15 may be paid 85% of the minimum. Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, Everett, Burien and unincorporated King County have higher local rates.
Is paid sick leave required in Washington?
Yes. 1 hour per 40 hours worked, usable after 90 days of employment; no state cap on accrual or annual use, and employers must carry over up to 40 unused hours to the next year. Covers full-time, part-time and seasonal workers.
Other Washington forms
Offer Letter by state
This page is general information for employers, not legal advice. Employment laws change and can vary by city and county. Confirm details with the state labor department or an employment attorney. Read our disclaimer.