MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Which WA counties did paychecks grow the most in 2024?

Jun 20, 2025, 5:00 AM

Exterior of the U.S. Department of Labor building. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Labor)...

Exterior of the U.S. Department of Labor building. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Labor)

(Photo courtesy of the Department of Labor)

2024 was an overall good year for job and wage growth in Washington’s largest counties.

The U.S. Department of Labor reported that nine of the 10 biggest counties in the state saw gains in both categories. Benton County had the biggest year-over-year spike in employment at 2%.

Meanwhile, King County experienced the largest increase in wages, with a 13% rise in weekly pay. On average, King County workers made $2,671 in the fourth quarter of 2024. Snohomish County came in second at $1,568. Only King and Snohomish counties had average weekly wages above the national average of $1,507.

Two counties also failed to top $1,000 in average weekly pay. Workers in Okanogan County took home $957, while the average weekly wage was $884 in Wahkiakum.

Read more of Aaron Granillo’s stories here.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

tacoma irish pub...

KIRO Newsradio Newsdesk

Tacoma gets new Irish-American pub after nearly two years of renovations

A long-awaited new spot is opening in Tacoma’s Proctor neighborhood. The Snug Family Pub makes its debut Tuesday after nearly two years of renovations.

2 hours ago

eagle falls 13th victim index...

Jake Chapman, KIRO 7 News

Eagle Falls claims 13th victim, man found unresponsive in water

A man died over the weekend after being found unresponsive at Eagle Falls in Index, according to emergency responders from Sky Valley Fire.

3 hours ago

hoarding dogs court date...

Nia Bliss, KIRO 7 News

Court date set for man accused of hoarding over 40 dogs

Marysville officers discovered 42 West Highland Terriers in a cramped utility trailer on Aug. 31. Officers also rescued two other dogs of an unknown breed.

3 hours ago

fall equinox...

Ted Buehner

The fall equinox arrives today, and fall-like weather is right behind it

The fall equinox is today at 5:05 p.m. The fall equinox is also known as the autumnal equinox, and the following day is the first full day of fall.

4 hours ago

kingston ferry...

Chris Sullivan

Kingston’s new ferry ticket kiosk cut the line-cutting. Now it needs to fix the GPS problem

The Washington State Ferries put in a new ticket kiosk approaching the Kingston dock earlier this year to help ease congestion and line cutting.

4 hours ago

DOJ - Snohomish...

Jason Sutich

Convicted child rapist pleads guilty to enticing 2 more minors for sexual abuse in Snohomish County

A registered sex offender living in Snohomish County pleaded guilty Monday to two counts of enticement of a minor for his sexual abuse of two 14-year-old teens.

15 hours ago

Which WA counties did paychecks grow the most in 2024?