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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Currently, about 20 percent of unemployment insurance claims are paid the maximum benefit amount, and 10 percent receive the minimum.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The state average wage also is used by the Department of Labor & Industries in calculating worker’s compensation benefits.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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