PEO services in Washington
A PEO helps Washington employers manage the state-fund workers' comp requirement, multi-state payroll, and benefits while staying compliant with Washington's rules. As of 2026, Washington's minimum wage is $17.13/hr and the state unemployment (SUTA) taxable wage base is $78,200. ONYX benchmarks the top PEOs against your current setup so Washington companies stop overpaying by 15–40%.
Washington employer snapshot (2026)
The structural facts that shape payroll and benefits cost in Washington. Verify current figures with the state agency before relying on any single number.
Indexed to inflation annually (2016 ballot measure); $17.13 eff. 1-1-2026. Seattle/SeaTac set higher local rates.
Standard employer base; some states assign a higher base to max-rated employers.
No state income tax on wages.
Monopolistic state, coverage must be purchased from the state fund.
The short answer
Monopolistic workers' comp state (coverage from L&I). No wage income tax, but highly regulated otherwise: high indexed minimum wage, paid sick leave, paid family and medical leave, pay-range disclosure, and the nation's highest SUTA wage base.
Major metros we serve in Washington: Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Bellevue.
Common Washington PEO questions
Can a PEO operate in Washington?
Yes. PEOs operate in Washington and handle Washington payroll tax, the $78,200 SUTA wage base, benefits, and coordination with the state workers' comp fund. ONYX benchmarks the PEOs that operate in Washington against your current setup.
What is the 2026 minimum wage in Washington?
Washington's minimum wage is $17.13/hr as of 2026. Indexed to inflation annually (2016 ballot measure); $17.13 eff. 1-1-2026. Seattle/SeaTac set higher local rates.
How much can a Washington company save with a PEO?
Most companies ONYX works with save 15–40% of total people cost by moving to a better-fit PEO. We model the exact savings for your Washington census for free in 3–5 business days.
PEO services in other states
Compare PEOs for your Washington team.
Get a free, no-pressure PEO audit. We'll compare your current setup against the top PEOs and show you the savings in 3–5 business days.