Washington and U.S. Average Wage
1980-2005
Inflation-Adjusted to 2005 Dollars
- Washington started the decade of the 1980s in much better economic condition than the U.S. overall.
- During the 1980s, high-paying jobs were lost as some production was shifted abroad. High real interest rates in the U.S. further depressed the demand for durable goods. Washington average wage was lower than the U.S. average wage during the years 1987-1990.
- Real average wages started rising again in 1989 as the state benefited from growth in aerospace employment and foreign trade while the U.S. economy was in recession.
- In the mid- and late 1990s, software and other high tech industry wages, along with stock options, helped increase Washington's average wage.
Data Sources:
- Average wages: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Inflation adjustment: Washington State Economic and Revenue Forecast Council
Last modified: May 24, 2007
E-mail: OFM.Forecasting@ofm.wa.gov
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