State’s average annual pay rises

The average annual wage in Washington state grew 0.6 percent last year to $39,038, according to information released Friday by the Washington State Employment Security Department. On a weekly basis, the state’s average was $750 in 2004.

The average wage is used to compute weekly unemployment insurance benefits for jobless workers. The minimum weekly unemployment benefit amount, 15 percent of the weekly wage, will increase from $111 to $112 starting July 1. Because the maximum weekly benefit has been capped by the Legislature, it will remain at $496.