Unpaid Wages Demand Letter in Washington
A letter asking an employer to pay wages you are owed, before you file a wage claim with your state labor agency or the U.S. Department of Labor. Keep copies of pay stubs, schedules and messages.
What Washington law says
| Final paycheck if fired or laid off | On or before the next regularly scheduled payday. Employers cannot hold the final paycheck because the employee has not returned keys, uniforms, tools or equipment. State law says final wages are due at the end of the established pay period. Source: RCW 49.48.010 |
|---|---|
| Final paycheck if you quit | On or before the next regularly scheduled payday. Source: RCW 49.48.010 |
| Minimum wage | $17.13 per hour in 2026 for most workers (14- and 15-year-olds may be paid 85% of the minimum). The rate is adjusted for inflation every January 1. Some cities (such as Seattle) set higher local minimum wages. Scheduled change: $17.73 per hour starting January 1, 2027 ($15.07 for 14- and 15-year-olds). |
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[today's date]
To: [employer name], [employer address]
From: [your name], [your address]
I worked for you as [job title] from [start date] to [end date or present]. You have not paid me $[amount owed] for [the hours, overtime, final paycheck or tips owed], covering [dates owed].
Please pay this amount by [payment deadline] by [payment method].
If I do not receive payment, I plan to file a wage claim with [state labor agency] and pursue any other remedies the law allows.
[your name] [phone or email]
Unpaid Wages Demand Letter for other states · Washington tenant rights
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.