BELLINGHAM, WA – The minimum wage in Washington will see a slight boost next year.

The state Department of Labor and Industries announced Friday that it’s going up to $16.28 an hour starting on January 1.

That’s a 3.4% increase over the current minimum wage of $15.74.

November’s election ballot in Whatcom County will feature a measure to increase Bellingham’s minimum wage.

If it passes, it would set the City minimum wage to $1 above the state’s in May 2024, then $2 above in 2025.

Washington currently has the highest state-level minimum wage in the nation.