Oregon vs Washington Payroll Comparison
Compare payroll compliance requirements between Oregon and Washington. See key differences in wages, taxes, leave policies, and employer obligations.
Compare State Payroll Requirements
Select 2 states to compare their payroll compliance requirements side-by-side.
| Requirement | Oregon | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | ⚠️Varies: Portland Metro $15.95, Standard $14.70, Rural $13.70 (2024) | ⚠️$17.13/hour (2026); Seattle $21.30 |
| Tipped Minimum | ✓Same as regular minimum wage (no tip credit) | ✓$17.13 (no tip credit) |
| Overtime Threshold | ⚠️40 hours/week; some daily OT for ag/manufacturing | 40 hours/week |
| Final Pay (Termination) | ⚠️Immediately (within 24 hours if requested) | End of next regular pay period |
| Final Pay (Resignation) | Within 5 business days (or next payday if sooner) | End of next regular pay period |
| PTO Payout Required? | ⚠️Yes, if employer policy promises it | ✓No (unless policy requires) |
| Pay Frequency Mandate | At least monthly; 35 days max between pay periods | At least monthly |
| State Income Tax | ⚠️Yes (4.75% - 9.9% progressive) | ✓None |
| Unemployment Insurance | Yes | Yes |
| State Disability Insurance | ✓No (but PFMLI provides some coverage) | ✓No (separate from PFML) |
| Paid Family Leave | ⚠️Yes - PFMLI (2023) | ⚠️Yes (WA PFML) |
| Paid Sick Leave | ⚠️Yes - 40 hours/year required | ⚠️Yes (1 hour per 40 hours) |
| Workers' Comp Required | ⚠️Yes (all employers) | ⚠️Yes (all employees) |
Key Differences: Oregon vs Washington
OROregon
- Minimum Wage:Varies: Portland Metro $15.95, Standard $14.70, Rural $13.70 (2024)
- Tipped Minimum:Same as regular minimum wage (no tip credit)
- Overtime Threshold:40 hours/week; some daily OT for ag/manufacturing
- Final Pay (Termination):Immediately (within 24 hours if requested)
- Final Pay (Resignation):Within 5 business days (or next payday if sooner)
- PTO Payout Required?:Yes, if employer policy promises it
WAWashington
- Minimum Wage:$17.13/hour (2026); Seattle $21.30
- Tipped Minimum:$17.13 (no tip credit)
- Overtime Threshold:40 hours/week
- Final Pay (Termination):End of next regular pay period
- Final Pay (Resignation):End of next regular pay period
- PTO Payout Required?:No (unless policy requires)
Understanding Oregon and Washington Payroll Differences
State Income Tax: Oregon has state income tax (Yes (4.75% - 9.9% progressive)), while Washington has no state income tax. This significantly impacts both employer withholding responsibilities and employee take-home pay.
Minimum Wage: Oregon minimum wage is Varies: Portland Metro $15.95, Standard $14.70, Rural $13.70 (2024), compared to Washington at $17.13/hour (2026); Seattle $21.30. Employers must pay at least the higher of federal, state, or local minimum wage requirements.
Paid Sick Leave: Oregon: Yes - 40 hours/year required. Washington: Yes (1 hour per 40 hours). States with mandatory paid sick leave require employers to track accruals and provide specific leave entitlements.
For complete compliance requirements, review the full state guides for Oregon and Washington.