Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Burien, Washington Will Implement Their Own Minimum Wage

The Burien City Council approved Ordinance No. 837 on March 18, 2024. Burien is next in line in a series of cities in King County implementing a minimum wage ordinance, which will impact employers in the jurisdiction.

About the New Burien County Minimum Wage

Like several surrounding cities, Burien has implemented their own minimum wage schedule that is dependent on employer business size. Burien’s City Council divided employers into three levels outlined below: 

• Level 1 employers: “means all employers, including franchisees, who employ more than 500 full-time equivalents (FTEs) in King County or franchisors who employ more than 500 FTEs in the aggregate” 

• Level 2 employers: “means all employers, including franchisees, that employ 21 – 499 FTEs in King County;” 

• Level 3 employers: “means all employers with 20 or fewer FTEs. Employers with 20 or fewer FTEs are exempt from this ordinance.” 

The ordinance outlines the following minimum wage schedule: 

• Level 1: Effective Jan. 1, 2025, level 1 employers are required to pay their employees a minimum wage of at least $3.00 over the Washington State hourly wage. 

• Level 2: Effective July 1, 2025, level 2 employers are required to pay their employees a minimum wage of at least $2.00 over the Washington State hourly wage. 

When Washington’s minimum wage increases annually on Jan. 1, the level 1 employer wage rate shall adjust to remain $3.00 over, and the level 2 employer wage will adjust to remain $2.00 over the state wage.  

Other Requirements Outlined in the Ordinance 

Employers should be aware of other provisions in the new Burien ordinance, including the provision dealing with payment of subminimum wage. The State of Washington permits subminimum wages, and corresponding cities may implement their own subminimum wage law if they so choose. 

Burien classifies the subminimum wage categories into the following;  

• Persons who are physically or mentally challenged 
• Learners 
• Apprentices 
• Messenger 

Employers should review the subminimum wage provision regarding each group to determine the proper wage(s) to pay their employees. 

Will Employers Need to Display a Poster? 

Employers in Burien are required to display a minimum wage poster for employees. Burien’s ordinance requires that employers “display the Burien minimum wage notice poster in a conspicuous and accessible place at every workplace or job site where their employees work.”  

The poster must be displayed in English and the primary language for their employees at their workplace. It is important to note that these posters will be offered in a variety of different languages to best suit your company’s needs. For any employer who employs remote employees, they are advised to provide each poster in a physical or electronic mode.  

At this time, a poster has not been made available, however, once the agency releases a poster, GovDocs will supply it as part of our Labor Law Poster Program. 

Conclusion 

Burien is one of the many cities in King County taking the step to implement their own minimum wage ordinance. These other cities include Tukwila, Seattle, and SeaTac, as well as two new jurisdictions, Bellingham and Renton. With this trend continuing, it is possible other cities will follow in step.  

Bear in mind, the minimum wage for 2025 has not been announced by the city. To help stay on top with these fast-paced changes, GovDocs offers a minimum wage solution to keep your mind at ease and your company compliant.  

This Employment Law News blog is intended for market awareness only, it is not to be used for legal advice or counsel.