OLYMPIA, WA – Washington’s average annual wage increased by 6.8% in 2024 to $95,160, according to the state Employment Security Department (ESD). The rise outpaced the 5.9% growth seen in 2023, reflecting both a modest employment uptick and a significant boost in total wages.

This average wage, which includes only jobs covered by unemployment insurance, plays a key role in determining several state benefit programs and employer tax rates.

The average weekly wage climbed to $1,830 in 2024, up from $1,714 the previous year. Total wages and salaries in the state grew by nearly $23.5 billion, with employment increasing by 0.7%, adding over 24,000 covered workers.

As a result of the wage increase:

• The minimum weekly unemployment benefit will rise to $366 starting July 6, 2025.
• The maximum weekly unemployment benefit will increase to $1,152.
• The Paid Family and Medical Leave maximum benefit will be set at $1,647 per week for claims beginning January 1, 2026.
• The minimum Paid Leave benefit will remain at $100.

For employers, the taxable wage base for unemployment insurance will increase to $78,200 in 2026, up from $72,800 in 2025.

The industries seeing the largest wage increases in 2024 included management of companies and enterprises (30.5%), information (16.6%), and utilities (6.6%).

More information is available on the Washington ESD website.