OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington’s average annual wage grew to $49,894 per year in 2011, an increase of 3.6 percent.

According to the State Employment Security Department average wage outgrew inflation for that year. 

Sheryl Hutchison with Employment Security says the highest wage growth was in the information, management and manufacturing sectors.



Minimum unemployment benefits will increase by $5 to $143 per week and maximum benefits will increase by $21 to $604 per week.

This increase only affects claims filed after July 1.