The Employment Security Department (ESD) reports that the state’s average annual wage was $61,887 in 2017—a 5 percent increase over 2016. According to ESD, “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.”

A number of employment benefits and taxes are tied to the average wage figure. In 2019, employers will pay unemployment taxes on the first $49,800 of an employee’s wages. (Washington’s current taxable wage base is $47,300, which is the nation’s highest.)

Additionally, for FY 2018, the minimum weekly unemployment benefit will increase to $178 (from $169), and the maximum weekly unemployment benefit will increase to $749 (from $713).

The Department of Labor & Industries announced on Friday that workers’ compensation time-loss and pension benefit payments will increase by 5 percent (the growth in the state average wage). The maximum monthly benefit will be $6,188.70 in FY 2018.