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Washington Employment Contract Template

Use our customizable Washington employment contract to set clear expectations for pay, duties, benefits, and workplace policies. Ensure compliance with Washington’s worker protection laws.

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1,109 Ratings
  • Duration 2 min
  • Download as PDF and Word
  • E-sign included

Written by Josh Sainsbury | Attorney-Reviewed by Harvey Barbee, J.D.

How It works?

1

Answer a Few Questions

Enter essential job details such as position, pay, benefits, and start date to begin your Washington contract.

2

Customize Your Contract

Our builder generates a professional agreement tailored to your company and role.

3

Download and Finalize

Save your completed contract as a PDF or Word file, then review and sign with your employee.

Table of Contents

  1. What Is a Washington Employment Contract?
  2. Key Washington Hiring Rules That Affect Your Contract
  3. How to Write a Washington Employment Contract

What Is a Washington Employment Contract?

A Washington employment contract is a written agreement between an employer and employee outlining compensation, job responsibilities, and conditions of employment. While Washington generally follows the at-will employment rule, a written contract or collective bargaining agreement can modify these terms.

Key Washington Hiring Rules That Affect Your Contract

  • At-will employment: Default rule unless modified by contract or union agreement.
  • Minimum wage: $16.66/hour statewide as of January 1, 2025. Cities such as Seattle and SeaTac may have higher local minimums.
  • Overtime: Non-exempt employees must receive 1.5× pay for hours worked over 40 in a week (Revised Code of Washington § 49.46.130).
  • Meal/rest breaks: Employees must receive a 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours and a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (Washington Administrative Code 296-126-092).
  • Paid sick leave: All employees accrue at least 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked (WA Rev Code § 49.46.210).
  • Pay frequency: Wages must be paid at least monthly (WA Rev Code § 49.48.010).
  • Final pay: Wages are due by the next regular payday after termination or resignation (WA Rev Code § 49.48.010).
  • Child labor: Workers under 14 generally cannot be employed except in limited jobs; 14–17-year-olds need work permits and face hour and job restrictions.
  • Non-competes: Restricted to employees earning over $120,559 per year, with the threshold adjusted annually for inflation (WA Rev Code § 49.62.020). Clauses longer than 18 months are presumed unreasonable.
  • E-signatures: Recognized under Washington’s Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (WA Rev Code § 1.80.060).
  • Recordkeeping: Employers must maintain payroll and employment records for at least 3 years (WA Admin Code 296-126-050).

How to Write a Washington Employment Contract

Follow these steps to create a compliant and transparent employment agreement:

  1. Add party details: Include employer and employee names, job title, and start date.
  2. Define job duties: Describe the position, supervisor, and workplace location.
  3. Set pay and schedule: Specify hourly wage or salary, pay period, and any overtime rules.
  4. Include benefits: Outline health insurance, PTO, or other perks offered.
  5. Address breaks and leave: Reference Washington’s requirements for paid sick leave and meal/rest breaks.
  6. Add confidentiality and IP clauses: Protect trade secrets and company property.
  7. Include non-compete terms: Only for employees who meet income thresholds and when reasonable in scope.
  8. Specify termination terms: Confirm at-will employment and describe notice, severance, or final pay.
  9. Finalize and sign: State that Washington law governs and allow e-signatures for convenience.