Computer professionals: $59.96/hr hourly-exempt path. 3.5× minimum.
Washington offers an hourly-exempt path for computer professionals at $59.96/hr in 2026 — 3.5× the state minimum wage. This is an alternative to the salary basis ($1,541.70/week) typically required for exempt status. Workers must perform specific computer-professional duties: software design, software development, systems analysis at a level requiring application of theoretical computer science knowledge. Routine IT work (helpdesk, network maintenance) typically does not qualify. The hourly path is useful for contract software workers or hourly-billing engineering arrangements.
Computer Professional Hourly Path
Verifies hourly-exempt computer professionals meet the $59.96 threshold and perform the qualifying duties. Tracks the 3.5× ramp through 2028.
What those rules do for hourly computer professionals.
The hero card configuration: Block on below-threshold, Avoid on duties-test risk.
When a manager tags a computer professional as hourly-exempt, Teambridge verifies the rate meets the WA threshold ($59.96/hr for 2026). Below this, the hourly-exempt tag fails to save.
Workers tagged as hourly-exempt computer professionals whose role descriptions include routine IT support work surface for review — those duties typically don't qualify for the exemption.
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WAC 296-128-535 — 3.5× minimum hourly threshold.
Washington's hourly-exempt computer professional path is unusual nationally. Most states require salary basis for white-collar exemptions; Washington recognized that some software professionals work hourly (especially in contract or consulting arrangements) and created this carve-out.
$59.96/hr threshold (2026)
$17.13 × 3.5 = $59.96/hr. The hourly threshold is calculated as 3.5× the state minimum wage. Like the salary threshold, it's phasing up — but on a less aggressive schedule. Most computer professionals on this path are well above the threshold.
Qualifying duties
Software design, development, documentation, analysis, creation, testing, or modification at a level requiring application of theoretical computer science knowledge. Systems analysis at the same level. Operating systems work. Routine IT support (helpdesk tickets, network admin, hardware setup) typically doesn't qualify because it doesn't require theoretical computer science knowledge.
Teambridge gates the hourly-exempt path on rate AND duties.
The hourly path's rate threshold is bright-line, but the duties qualification is where misclassification happens. Teambridge surfaces routine-IT duty patterns for human review.
Both rate AND duties verified.
When a worker is tagged as hourly-exempt computer professional, Teambridge requires both: rate ≥ $59.96, and a duties description that fits the qualifying categories.
Helpdesk/admin titles flagged.
Workers with role titles like 'IT Support', 'Network Administrator', 'Helpdesk Technician' tagged as hourly-exempt surface for compliance review. The titles correlate with non-qualifying duties.
Threshold increases anticipated.
Teambridge tracks the upcoming threshold ramp. In late each year, workers below the next year's threshold surface for review or rate adjustment.
Non-qualifying workers handled.
If a worker doesn't qualify (or the duties don't fit), they default to non-exempt with weekly OT tracking. The fallback is automatic.
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