This information is for general orientation only and does not constitute legal, tax or medical advice. Always verify with the official sources cited.
Work legally in Washington
Minimum wage and tips in Washington
- Minimum:$17.13/h
- Tips: Same full minimum — no tip credit at the low federal level
- Paid family leave: Active state paid leave program
- Maximum weekly unemployment: approximately $999 (if you qualify — F-1 usually doesn’t)
CPT and OPT: practice sequence
- See DSO: CPT eligibility (usually after 1 academic year, linked to curriculum).
- Job offer consistent with the major; letter dated for SEVIS.
- Update I-20 with CPT endorsement before starting.
- For OPT: request 90 days in advance, USCIS fee, waiting for EAD card.
- Store every pay stub; check federal withholdings.
Read Washington’s only job
- At will: at-will
- Non-competes: restricted under RCW 49.62
- OSHA: State Plan OSHA (state-managed inspection)
On-campus vs. off-campus
- On-campus— Up to 20 hours/week per term; CPT is not needed in many cases (check DSO policy).
- Off-campus CPT— Must be integral to the program; part-time hours in session.
- OPT / STEM OPT— After completion or during thesis in some cases; limited unemployment days.
Payroll taxes
In Washington there are no state payroll taxes, but there are FICA (if applicable) and federal taxes.
Mistakes that cost your status
- Work before CPT/OPT approval.
- Exceeding permitted hours or working for an unauthorized employer.
- Do not report job loss to the DSO during OPT (unemployment days).
- Accept “cash” work below minimum without documentation.
STEM OPT and grace period
- 24-month extension for USCIS-listed STEM majors — verify course CIP code.
- Report employment every 6 months on myUSCIS during STEM OPT.
- 90 cumulative days of unemployment during standard OPT; 150 during STEM (check current rules).
Typical on-campus jobs
- Dining, library, recreation, research assistant (often linked to major).
- Minimum hourly payout $17.13 — check pay stub.
Sources
Tenant/labor: documents emails and photos; not threats — use official DOL or housing channels.
Quick reference
Sicurezza e diritti in Washington: at-will. Rischi: Rischio sismico.
Practical safety
Campus and travel
In città principale puoi vivere senza auto se abiti vicino metro/campus urbano.
Weather risks
Sign up for county/university alerts; recommended water and torch kit.
- Seismic risk
Rights and actions
If something goes wrong
Campus work
Federal Rule — CPT/OPT/STEM OPT: Same USCIS rules in all states; also respects local wage laws
Emergencies
Numbers and resources
Ranked 50 of 50 for minimum wage
Ranked 49 of 50 for max unemployment
State-specific data for Washington: Work
Data verified: 2026-03
Regola federale — CPT/OPT/STEM OPT: stesse regole USCIS in tutti gli stati; rispetta anche leggi salariali locali
| Minimum wage | $17.13/hr ⚠️ |
|---|---|
| Tipped subminimum | No — full minimum wage required ⚠️ |
| At-will employment | at-will |
| Non-compete agreements | restricted under RCW 49.62 |
| Paid family leave | Programma statale di congedo retribuito attivo |
| OSHA coverage | State Plan OSHA (ispezione gestita dallo stato) |
| Max weekly unemployment | $999 ⚠️ |
Sources: DOL · DOL state labor
Official U.S. sources
Informational summary only—always read the latest official pages. Not legal, tax, or medical advice.
Rules for F/M/J students, CPT/OPT, and Form I-765 are published by USCIS. Confirm the current page before starting any work.
Minimum wage and overtime: DOL topics. International taxpayer obligations and resources: IRS international taxpayers hub.