Jobs that actually got a raise in Washington
Consumer prices rose about 26% between May 2019 and May 2025, so a wage that grew less than that lost ground while appearing to rise. The column on the right is the inflation-adjusted change; the nominal figure beneath it is what a paycheck comparison would have shown. Limited to occupations employing at least 50,000 people, so the ranking is not dominated by tiny, noisy ones.
Wages: BLS OEWS, May 2025
| # | Occupation | MedianWashington | 10th–90th percentilemiddle half shaded darker | Real change since 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home Health and Personal Care AidesHigh school diploma or equivalent | $47,730 | $40,130 – $54,980 | +26.5%+59.3% nominal |
| 2 | Registered NursesBachelor's degree | $124,200 | $89,630 – $161,910 | +18.1%+48.8% nominal |
| 3 | Fast Food and Counter WorkersNo formal educational credential | $37,710 | $35,050 – $47,860 | +9.4%+37.8% nominal |
| 4 | Stockers and Order FillersNo formal educational credential | $44,620 | $36,960 – $57,720 | +8.1%+36.1% nominal |
| 5 | CashiersNo formal educational credential | $38,720 | $35,560 – $51,370 | +7.3%+35.1% nominal |
| 6 | Retail SalespersonsNo formal educational credential | $39,560 | $35,860 – $54,660 | +3.1%+29.9% nominal |
| 7 | General and Operations ManagersBachelor's degree | $133,750 | $77,680 – $269,320 | -0.9%+24.8% nominal |