Hourly Jobs in Seattle, WA
Seattle has one of the highest minimum wages of any city in the country, so even entry-level hourly work starts above 21 an hour. Its hourly economy runs on retail, food service and coffee, hospitality, logistics, and healthcare, and Washington gives tipped workers the full minimum wage before tips. There is no state income tax, though the cost of living is high.
Seattle at a glance
- Metro population: about 4.0 million
- Minimum wage: 21.30 per hour (City of Seattle, 2026, among the highest in the country)
- What the market actually pays: entry-level work starts at the 21.30 city floor and commonly runs 21.30 to 24 per hour
- Tipped minimum: Washington allows no tip credit, so tipped workers earn the full 21.30 minimum plus tips on top
- Typical hourly range: about 21 to 28 per hour depending on role and experience
- Cost of living: high, especially housing, with one-bedroom rent around 2,100 per month
Top hourly industries hiring in Seattle
- Retail and corporate-retail support: large employers run big hourly workforces.
- Food service and coffee: a dense restaurant and cafe scene hires constantly.
- Hospitality and tourism: hotels, attractions, and events keep service roles open.
- Warehouse and logistics: distribution work south of the city.
- Healthcare: hospital systems hire CNAs, techs, and support staff.
Typical hourly pay in Seattle
- Retail associate: 21.30 to 25 per hour
- Fast food or line cook: 21.30 to 24 per hour
- Barista: 21.30 to 24 per hour plus tips
- Warehouse associate: 21 to 27 per hour
- CNA or caregiver: 21 to 27 per hour
- Delivery driver: 21 to 27 per hour
- Server: full minimum plus tips, often 24 to 34 per hour effective
(Ranges are local estimates. Confirm against current BLS metro figures before publishing.)
Getting hired in Seattle
- The Seattle rate applies within city limits; nearby Tukwila, Burien, and SeaTac set their own, sometimes even higher, rates, so confirm the worksite.
- Because Washington allows no tip credit, tips are paid entirely on top of the full minimum wage.
- Retail, food service, and hospitality hire steadily year-round; warehouse and logistics roles cluster south of the city.
- There is no state income tax, which helps offset a high cost of living.