The Employment Security Department (ESD) reports that Washington’s average annual wage was $95,160 in 2024—an increase of 6.8% over 2023. According to ESD, “The increase was driven by a 0.7% increase in employment and an 7.5% increase in total wages and salaries, which grew by nearly $23.5 billion in 2024.”

The state average wage is used to calculate unemployment insurance (UI) taxes and benefits, paid family and medical leave benefits, and workers’ compensation benefits.

Consequently, for calendar year 2026, the UI taxable wage base will increase from $72,800 to $78,200. (Washington has the nation’s highest taxable wage base. The next highest in 2025 is Hawaii, at $62,000.)

For new UI claims opened on or after July 6, 2025, maximum weekly UI benefits will increase from $1,079 to $1,152. Minimum weekly UI benefits will increase from $342 to $366.

For paid family and medical leave claims filed on or after Jan. 1, 2026, maximum weekly benefits will increase from $1,542 to $1,647.

Workers’ compensation time-loss and pension benefit amounts will also increase by 6.8% (but the Department of Labor & Industries has not yet made the official announcement).