BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham’s new minimum wage law is officially in effect.

Starting on Wednesday, May 1, people working minimum wage jobs within the city will be paid $1 more than the state average, or $17.28 an hour.

That dollar amount rises again in May of 2025 to $2 above the state average.

Those totals will be adjusted should the state raise its minimum wage in the future. The minimum wage ballot measure was approved by Bellingham voters in November.

Other Washington cities, including Seattle and Tukwila, have passed similar measures.