Washington wages outpaced inflation last year

The average annual wage in Washington grew by 3.6% in 2011. 

The state Employment Security Department says wages outpaced inflation by 0.9 percentage points.

The average annual salary in Washington was $49,894 last year, up from $48,162 in 2010.

The highest wage growth in 2011 was seen in:

• Information technology, up 9.5%
• Company management, up 7.9%
• Manufacturing, up 5%

The numbers come from wages covered by unemployment insurance.

According to the state, the average annual wage is used to calculate unemployment benefits. The minimum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 15% of the average weekly wage, will increase by $5 to $143, for new claims opened on or after July 1.

The maximum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 63% of the average weekly wage, will increase by $21, to $604.