Washington tip pooling laws & tipped minimum wage
Washington is one of only seven states that ban the tip credit: every tipped worker gets the full minimum wage in cash, and tips are pure upside.
| Regular minimum wage | $17.13/hr |
| Minimum cash wage for tipped workers | $17.13/hr (full minimum) |
| Maximum tip credit | Not allowed |
| Tips belong to | Employees — always |
Rates reviewed June 2026. Rates change — confirm with the Washington labor department. Not legal advice.
What's specific to Washington
Washington bans the tip credit and has the highest state minimum wage. Seattle, SeaTac, and other cities set even higher local rates.
Tip pooling in Washington
Washington follows the federal baseline for pooling: employers may require tip pooling, and because no tip credit exists, pools may legally include back-of-house workers like cooks and dishwashers. Managers and supervisors are always excluded.
Two federal rules apply no matter what: managers and supervisors can never take from a tip pool, and credit card processing fees can only be deducted from tips where state law allows it — and several no-tip-credit states restrict that practice too.
What this means for your tip-out
Because Washington pays full minimum wage before tips, tip-outs hit less hard — your base pay is guaranteed regardless of how the pool splits. Still, the math matters on busy nights. Use our tip-out calculator to split a shift by your house's percentages or by hours, and see standard tip-out percentages to check whether your house's rates are typical.
Washington tip law FAQs
What is the tipped minimum wage in Washington?
Washington does not allow a tip credit, so tipped employees must be paid the full minimum wage of $17.13/hr in cash. All tips come on top of that wage.
Is mandatory tip pooling legal in Washington?
Washington follows the federal baseline for pooling: employers may require tip pooling, and because no tip credit exists, pools may legally include back-of-house workers like cooks and dishwashers. Managers and supervisors are always excluded.
Can my manager take a cut of the tip pool in Washington?
No. Federal law prohibits managers, supervisors, and owners from keeping any portion of employee tips in every state, including Washington. A manager may keep only tips they directly and solely earned (e.g., a table they personally served start to finish).