Washington State Leads the Nation in Average Hourly Earnings
Washington state residents are among the highest hourly earners in the United States, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The statistics provide a comprehensive look at average hourly earnings, weekly earnings, and the number of hours worked per week across all 50 states as of June 2025.
What Is the Average Hourly Pay in Washington State?
As of June 2025, the average hourly pay for residents in Washington state is $42.26. This figure is not seasonally adjusted and reflects the overall compensation for workers in the Evergreen State. On average, Washington workers put in 35.1 hours per week, resulting in a weekly salary of $1,483.33 and an annual salary of $77,133.16.
Washington’s average hourly wage is the highest among all 50 states, with only Washington, D.C., surpassing it. The capital city has an average hourly pay of $54.21, making it the top-paying region in the country.
Top States by Average Hourly Pay
Here is a breakdown of the states with the highest average hourly wages:
- Washington: $42.26
- Massachusetts: $42.00
- California: $41.22
- Colorado: $39.19
- Minnesota: $39.17
- New York: $39.14
- Connecticut: $38.98
- New Jersey: $37.87
- Hawaii: $37.62
- Alaska: $37.49
These figures highlight the economic strength of certain regions, particularly those with high-cost-of-living areas and industries that demand skilled labor.
Washington State’s Position in the Pacific Northwest
When comparing Washington to other states in the Pacific Northwest, its average hourly pay stands out:
- Washington: $42.26
- Oregon: $36.83
- Idaho: $34.07
- Montana: $32.09
This gap underscores the economic disparity between the states in the region, with Washington maintaining a significant lead in terms of wages.
Unemployment Rate and Job Growth
Despite the high wages, Washington state’s unemployment rate remained stable in June 2025 at 4.5%, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department. This rate was consistent with May 2025, indicating a steady labor market.
The state’s economy saw notable job growth, with an estimated 10,900 new jobs added in June. Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security Department, highlighted that this was the strongest job growth since January 2025. Sectors such as leisure and hospitality, government, and information saw significant gains.
The national unemployment rate for June 2025 was slightly lower at 4.1%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This suggests that while Washington’s job market is robust, it still lags slightly behind the national average in terms of employment stability.
Conclusion
Washington state continues to stand out as a leader in average hourly earnings, reflecting a strong and diverse economy. With high wages and steady job growth, the state remains an attractive destination for workers seeking competitive compensation. As the labor market evolves, these trends will likely shape future economic developments in the region.
