Washington’s average annual wage nears $61,900 in 2017

Washington’s average annual wage nears $61,900 in 2017

Washington’s average annual wage grew by 5.0 percent in 2017 to $61,887, according to the state Employment Security Department – representing the largest percentage increase year over year since 2007.

The average weekly wage rose from $1,133 in 2016 to $1,190 in 2017. These figures include only those wages that are covered by unemployment insurance.

Much of the increase was driven by a 7.7 percent increase in total earnings, which grew by nearly $14.1 billion in 2017. Overall, the average number of workers in Washington covered by unemployment insurance grew by just over 81,790 in 2017.

The industries with the largest average wage growth in 2017 were retail trade, up 14.5 percent; information, up 8.2 percent; and accommodation and food services, up 6.9 percent.

The average annual wage is used to calculate unemployment benefits for jobless workers. The minimum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 15 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase by $9 to $178, for new claims opened on or after July 1. At the same time, the maximum weekly benefit, which is the greater of $496 or 63 percent of the average weekly wage, will increase by $36 to $749.

Currently, about 20 percent of unemployment insurance claims are paid the maximum benefit amount, and 10 percent receive the minimum.

In addition to unemployment benefits, the average annual wage is used in computing employers’ unemployment taxes. Beginning in 2019, employers will pay unemployment taxes on the first $49,800 paid to each employee – up from $47,300 in 2018.

The state average wage also is used by the Department of Labor & Industries in calculating worker’s compensation benefits.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in Business

Joshua Harris is a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran who runs a security company out of Kent. Courtesy photo
King County veteran selected to national business-growth program

In October, South King County-based company Cascadia Global Security was chosen to… Continue reading

Darren, Ryan and Launice Malmassari and Becca Pimentel all work at Kent East Hill Nursery as a family. Courtesy photo
Kent East Hill Nursery continues to grow

When the Malmassari family took over the Kent East Hill Nursery in… Continue reading

Paul Raftis (right) of Paolo’s Italian learned how to cook from his mother, Darlene Risse Raftis (left). Courtesy photo.
Vittoria! Paolo’s Italian wins big

It’s been a good month for Paolo’s Italian Restaurant in Kent —… Continue reading

Best of Kent 2024 winners announced!
Best of Kent 2024 winners: See the list here

Check out the Kent Reporter’s special section.

t
Maggie’s on Meeker owner receives state Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Honor given to Raman Arora at statewide conference in Walla Walla for bringing Main Streets to life

t
Kent-based Blue Origin completes 27th mission to space

Company debuts second vehicle in efforts to meet growing customer demand to board flights

(Photo from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library)
Health insurance premiums to rise for WA small businesses

This marks the highest increase for small employers in the last decade.

t
Top Pot Doughnuts opens new production facility in Kent

Company plans to open cafe at site in early 2025

(Screenshot)
Ladybug coffee stand co-owner sentenced for tax evasion

At his Oct. 9 sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Tana Lin stated, “there is no excuse for hiding half a million dollars in a life of privilege, except greed.”

t
Airways Bistro & Beer Garden to close in downtown Kent

Lengthy patio renovation, higher rent help lead to closure after 13 years; Tap Room to remain open

t
Kent Reporter, Steve Hunter, Ben Ray receive newspaper coverage awards

At Better Newspaper Contest presented by Washington Newspaper Publishers Association