While the federal minimum wage in the U.S. remains stuck at $7.25 per hour, some cities have taken bold steps to ensure workers earn a livable wage. Washington state leads the charge, with five of its cities offering the highest minimum wages in the country.
Here’s a look at the top five U.S. cities with the highest minimum wages as of 2025:
Burien, WA – $21.16 per hour for large employers (500+ employees), $20.16 for mid-sized employers (21-499 employees). Adjusted annually for inflation.
Tukwila, WA – $21.10 per hour for large employers, $20.10 for mid-sized employers, with mid-sized businesses set to match large employer rates by July 2025.
Renton, WA – $20.90 per hour for large employers, $18.90 for mid-sized employers (rising to $19.90 by July 2025). Adjusted annually for inflation.
Seattle, WA – $20.76 per hour across all employers. Seattle set the pace in 2014 when it became the first U.S. city to mandate a $15 minimum wage.
SeaTac, WA – $20.17 per hour for hospitality and transportation workers, $20.10 for mid-sized employers. Adjusted annually for inflation.
With the cost of living on the rise, these cities are setting the standard for fair wages. Will more states follow suit?
