Whatcom average wage rises 4.4 percent in second quarter

Wages in Whatcom County increased at a faster pace than the national average in the second quarter of 2015, according to a new federal report.

The average local weekly wage was estimated at $804 in the second quarter, up 4.4 percent compared to a year ago. The national average increase for that period was 3 percent, to $968, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Of the 10 largest Washington counties, Whatcom’s weekly wage ranked ninth highest, ahead of Yakima’s $660. Spokane County ranked eighth at $810, while King County topped the list in Washington at $1,288.

Across the U.S. wages, in the second quarter increased in 319 of the 342 largest counties. Ventura, Calif. had the biggest increase, rising 15.2 percent for an average weekly wage of $934.

This story was originally published December 18, 2015 at 1:36 PM with the headline "Whatcom average wage rises 4.4 percent in second quarter."