[andthenzen]

Where did you learn this from?

This interpretation is incorrect. The section you mention is a subsection of 296-128-500, which defines the minimum rates for certain professions to be exempt from overtime. In this case, computer professionals paid at least 3.5x the minimum wage and who are paid on an hourly basis are exempt. The level to qualify as exempt if an employee is paid on a salary basis is defined in 545.

[poly_morphis]

Thank you for the response, I was missing important context. I came across this scrolling through the WAC page. I found a few articles that clear it up as well:

"Effective January 1, 2025, exempt computer professionals paid at an hourly rate must be paid at least $58.31 per hour in order to be exempt." [0]

"...or $58.31 per hour and be exempt from overtime pay." [1]

[0] https://www.seyfarth.com/news-insights/washington-increases-...

[1] https://www.millernash.com/industry-news/washington-state-an...

[emiri]

In 2025 computing professionals are supposed to be paid at least 116k in Washington state in order to be classified as an exempt employee. If they don't do this, they have to reclassify you as non-exempt or else you have a legal case and backpay is warranted. In Seattle this is likely to be higher since Seattle's minimum wage is higher.

Listen to actual lawyers which are causing awareness of this.