BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham’s minimum wage will see a moderate boost next year.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) announced on Wednesday, Sept. 30, that the statewide minimum wage will rise to $17.73 an hour in 2027.

That’s 60 cents higher than the current rate.

The state’s announcement means Bellingham’s minimum wage will also rise 60 cents to $19.73 an hour starting on Jan. 1, 2027. It comes as part of a 2023 initiative setting the city’s minimum wage two dollars above the state’s each year.

Bellingham will establish the new minimum wage within two weeks of the state’s announcement.

L&I also announced that the minimum pay for rideshare drivers will increase in 2027 as well. Starting on Jan. 1, drivers will earn 41 cents per passenger platform minute for trips outside of Seattle and $1.43 per passenger platform mile – or $3.68 per trip – whichever is greater.

The state’s announcement comes days after Seattle increased its minimum wage to $22.14 an hour in 2027.