Average Annual Salary in Washington State is This Much

The average annual salary in Washington state last year was $65,301, an increase of 5.5 percent from 2017.

The state Employment Security Department says its the largest percentage increase since 2006. Retail workers realized the biggest salary bump, with wages rising 16.9 percent. The wages of IT professionals rose 13.1 percent, while those employed in the professional, scientific or technical services fields saw a 9.7 percent increase.

The wage is used to calculate unemployment benefits, which will increase to a minimum of $188 per week starting in July. The maximum weekly benefit will rise to $790.

In addition to unemployment benefits, the average annual wage is used in computing employers unemployment taxes. Beginning in 2020, employers will pay unemployment taxes on the first $52,700 paid to each employee up from $49,800 in 2019.