Washington remains one of the top states for workers, ranking fifth in Oxfam America's Best States to Work Index for the third year in a row.
The big picture: The index, now in its seventh year, measures how states support workers through wages, protections and rights to organize.
Zoom in: Washington's high score was bolstered by its $16.66 per hour minimum wage — the highest among U.S. states — along with heat standards for outdoor workers, warehouse worker protections and a new law mandating paid lactation breaks starting in 2027.
The state is also one of just seven with "one fair wage" policies eliminating sub-minimum wages for tipped workers.
Yes, but: Even Washington's higher minimum wage covers only about 35% of the cost of living for a family of four, Oxfam notes— meaning many workers statewide may still feel financially squeezed.
