A business owner in West Seattle lamented that the closure of her business due to the rising minimum wage means the loss of a place where locals could safely gather.

Minimum wage in the city will rise to $20.76 per hour beginning midnight on New Year’s Day, one of the highest rates in the country. For the first time since Seattle’s minimum wage ordinance took effect almost a decade ago, all employers will be subject to the same pay floor.

The minimum wage went up this week in both Seattle and Washington state. By the numbers: As of Jan. 1, all Seattle employers must pay their workers at least $20.76 per hour. The state minimum wage floor,

As of Jan. 1, Seattle’s minimum wage increased by 79 cents, reaching $20.76 per hour for all businesses, regardless of size. The other half of the building will also close for in-person business later this year, another casualty of Seattle’s rising business costs.

Seattle's latest minimum wage increase proved to be the final straw for one restaurant owner, who decided she was better off to just close her doors for good.

The new year will come with extra money as Seattle's minimum wage rises Wednesday, as stated by the city of Seattle.

On New Year’s Day, Seattle’s minimum wage is jumping up to more than $20 per hour, and for some local small business owners, that is too much of a change to keep their doors open.

Big changes are ahead for Seattle's minimum wage in 2025, including a $3 an hour boost for tipped workers. SEATTLE — The minimum wage in Washington state and several cities, including Seattle, will go up next week as agencies adjust for inflation.