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Typical incomes in Washington have generally been higher than nationally for several decades. A relatively strong job market and higher than average representation of workers by labor unions – 21.5% union coverage in Washington in 2009 compared to 13.6% nationally – contributed to stronger income growth for typical residents.

Washington workers are also supported by the best state minimum wage in the nation, which is automatically adjusted for inflation. This makes it possible for the lowest paid workers in the state to earn above the poverty level ($14,570 for a family of two in 2010).

With high-paying aerospace product and parts manufacturing industries, Washington also has one of the highest average wages for production occupations, and a relatively high concentration of materials engineers and software engineers, among the highest-paying of all jobs.

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