Workers in several states and cities, including Washington, D.C., are seeing pay increases as new minimum wage laws take effect. These changes, which impact more than 880,000 workers nationwide, aim to help employees keep pace with the rising cost of living. For anyone questioning how these updates may affect their rights or paychecks, consulting our Washington, D.C. hourly wage lawyer can be an important first step toward understanding wage law protections.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, new minimum wage laws took effect July 1 across seven states and numerous cities, including Alaska, Oregon, and several in California and Washington State. In Everett, Washington—just north of Seattle—companies with more than 500 employees are now required to pay at least $20.24 per hour, one of the highest local minimum wages in the nation. Meanwhile, Alaska’s statewide rate increased to $13 an hour, giving full-time workers nearly $1,000 more in annual earnings.
In Washington, D.C., the minimum wage climbed from $17.50 to $17.95 per hour, while the tipped minimum wage increased to $12. These changes highlight how different jurisdictions are taking independent action to close the gap between stagnant federal wages and the real cost of living. The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour—a rate that hasn’t budged since 2009. Data from the Economic Policy Institute suggests that a full-time worker in any U.S. county would need to earn at least $17 an hour to cover essential expenses like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare.
Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Portland also saw significant bumps, with minimum wages in those areas now ranging between $17 and $19 per hour. These increases not only provide short-term relief to workers but also reflect a growing acknowledgment that wage laws must adapt to economic realities. When employers fail to apply these increases properly, workers may lose income they’re legally entitled to—an issue that our Washington, D.C. hourly wage attorneys frequently help employees address.
We’re Here To Help Fight Unfair Wages
At Eric Siegel Law, we recognize that wage fairness is about more than numbers—it’s about dignity and compliance with labor laws designed to protect hardworking individuals. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling disputes involving unpaid wages, overtime violations, and unlawful payroll practices.
Many of these cases fall under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the federal law that sets basic wage and overtime requirements. However, local jurisdictions like Washington, D.C. often have stricter standards. This makes it vital for workers to understand which laws apply to their situation. Whether you’re a tipped employee unsure if your employer is calculating wages correctly, or a worker in a large corporation wondering if you’re owed back pay, our Washington, D.C. hourly wage lawyers can guide you through the process of asserting your rights.
As minimum wages continue to rise in places like Everett and D.C., enforcement becomes increasingly important. With over 30 years of combined experience handling these types of cases, our team is ready to take on your case and fight wage injustices. We offer a 24/7 live call answering service, so don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.
If your paycheck doesn’t reflect current wage rates or if you believe your employer has violated state or federal wage laws, it may be time to seek help. Our wage and hour attorneys at Eric Siegel Law are dedicated to making sure that employees receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced minimum wage attorneys and take the first step toward protecting your income and your rights. Our team of compassionate Fair Labor Standards Act lawyers is here to help.