2026 brings higher minimum wage and expanded nicotine tax to Washington
By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Washington state will introduce a 95 percent excise tax on all tobacco and nicotine products starting Jan. 1, 2026, raising consumer prices and expected to generate over $32 million in revenue. This tax will now include nicotine products like synthetic tobacco for vaping.
Additionally, the minimum wage in Washington will increase by 2.8 percent to $17.13 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026, remaining the highest in the country. Workers aged 14 or 15 can earn $14.56, while cities like Seattle may set higher rates, such as $21.30.
Meanwhile, neighboring Oregon’s next minimum wage increase is scheduled for July.
