Burien sets nation’s highest minimum wage – what it means for workers and small businesses 

In 2025, the City of Burien will raise its local minimum wage, making it the highest in the nation. For large employers, the minimum wage will be set at $4.50 above Washington State’s current rate, while mid-sized employers will see an increase to $3.50 above the state’s minimum wage. Burien’s ordinance protects workers from wage theft and provides workers with a remedy if a business intentionally or unintentionally fails to pay at least the minimum wage. This new minimum wage sets Burien on track to foster an economy that supports its workforce and allows local entrepreneurs to thrive.  

Balancing Worker Support with Business Sustainability 

The Burien City Council’s decision to adopt a minimum wage law in early 2023 struck a balance between boosting wages for local workers while also considering the potential impact on Burien’s small businesses. 

Small businesses are vital to Burien’s vibrant community and economy, providing goods and services and offering a space for creativity, cultural exchange, and community connection. In Burien, local businesses have also historically offered a path to economic opportunity for multigenerational, immigrant, and minority-owned business owners.  

However, small businesses often struggle to maintain profitability and sustainability. According to 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of all small businesses fail within the first five years.  Burien’s new minimum wage ordinance introduces a tiered system that categorizes employers based on their size to accommodate diverse needs and recognize the economic challenges small businesses face.  

Here’s a breakdown of the employer categories and their corresponding minimum wage requirements: 

• Level 1 Employer: This category includes large employers with 500 or more full-time equivalents (FTEs) in King County or franchisors with 500 FTEs or more. Starting January 1, 2025, these businesses must pay a minimum wage of at least $4.50 above Washington State’s hourly minimum wage. 
• Level 2 Employer: This includes businesses with 21 to 499 FTEs in King County. These employers must pay a minimum wage of at least $3.50 higher than the state’s minimum wage, effective July 1, 2025. 
• Level 3 Employer: Small businesses with 20 or fewer FTEs are exempt from the ordinance.

A Thoughtful, Collaborative Process 

The decision to implement a local minimum wage in Burien came after careful consultation with local businesses, labor groups, and residents. The Business and Economic Development Partnership (BEDP), a Burien City Council advisory board on economic development, studied the issue. Their report, “Minimum Wages and Burien’s Local Economy,” offered valuable insights into how a wage increase might impact workers and businesses. 

The Burien City Council spent months reviewing drafts of the ordinance, holding meetings, soliciting feedback, and listening to public comments. Ultimately, the Burien City Council enacted a minimum wage ordinance that reflects Burien’s values while maintaining a healthy local economy. 

A Unique Move for Burien 

Burien joins a select group of cities in Washington that have passed a local minimum wage higher than the state’s baseline through a city council ordinance. By taking this step, Burien retains the authority to adjust the ordinance based on the actual impacts and needs of the Burien community and to adapt to future economic conditions and the evolving needs of workers and employers. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sponsored Posts like this are paid, “Native Advertisements” that help businesses and organizations improve their internet presence and all-important SEO. South King Media also underwrites fundraisers from local nonprofits. To learn more about how your business or organization can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at vtheresa@comcast.net.