Washington’s average annual wage grew 4.9% in 2025 to $99,810, according to the state Employment Security Department. 

The increase was driven by a 4.7% rise in total earnings – up nearly $15.7 billion – despite a 0.2% decrease in covered employment, or jobs subject to unemployment insurance taxes.

The average weekly wage rose from $1,830 in 2024 to $1,919 in 2025. The average number of workers covered by unemployment insurance fell by 6,905.

The industries posting the largest average annual wage growth were professional, scientific and technical services, up 12.5%; finance and insurance, up 8.7%; and information, up 8.4%.

The 2025 figure is used to set unemployment benefits, paid family and medical leave benefits, and employer unemployment taxes. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries also uses it to calculate workers’ compensation benefits.

Key changes taking effect under the new wage figure:

• The minimum weekly unemployment benefit increases $17 to $383 for new claims opened on or after July 5; the maximum increases $56 to $1,208.
• The maximum paid leave benefit increases from $1,647 to $1,727 for claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2027; the minimum remains $100.
• Beginning in 2027, employers will pay unemployment payroll taxes on the first $82,000 paid to each employee, up from $78,200 in 2026.