Check Washington tipped-minimum cash wage and whether tip credit rules apply.
The tip credit lets employers count tips toward the minimum wage. For Washington, an approximate cash minimum of $16.28/hr plus tips must reach at least the full minimum of $16.28/hr. If cash + tips never reach the minimum, the employer must make up the difference.
Shortfall
Shortfall = full minimum × hours − (cash wage × hours + tips)
Approximate wage figures for guidance — verify current rates with the official state source.
Federal default cash wage is $2.13/hr, but many states set higher cash wages. Verify the current figure with the state labor agency.
A reference value; actual cash wages and tip-credit rules can differ by classification and city.