Washington leaders receive raises amid commission-approved salary increases
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Washington: The Washington Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials approved a two‑year salary schedule in March 2025 and applied cost‑of‑living adjustments of 3% on July 1, 2025 and 2% on Wednesday, producing combined raises that amount to 7% this year for Gov. Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown and many state legislators. The increases, following similar boosts last year, raise Ferguson’s annual pay to $234,275 and lawmakers’ salaries to $72,494. The commission, created by voters in 1987 to remove salary-setting from elected officials, also applied targeted increases that gave legislators an extra 5% on Wednesday on top of a 6% boost a year earlier; other statewide executives received only the COLAs. Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and Sen. Yasmin Trudeau urged higher pay to attract diverse candidates and compensate for heavy workloads, while the statewide median wage was about $73,000 in 2026. Commissioners will meet in September to begin setting pay for 2027 and 2028.
Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 1987: Washington voters establish the Citizens' Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials.
- January 2025: Bob Ferguson sworn in as Washington's 24th governor.
- March 2025: Commission approves a new two-year salary schedule with multi-year increases.
- July 1, 2025: Commission applies 3% cost-of-living adjustment across branches.
- Wednesday (August 2025): Commission applies additional 2% and targeted increases, producing 7% total for some offices.
Why This Matters to You
These salary increases affect your tax dollars. They're meant to attract diverse, qualified candidates to public service. You can voice your opinion at the Commission's next meeting in September.
The Bottom Line
The Commission is balancing fair pay for elected officials with taxpayer concerns. It's a tricky balance. Watch for their next salary schedule in September. Worth forwarding if you know someone interested in public service.
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Elected officials including Gov. Bob Ferguson, the attorney general, and state legislators benefited through a 7% salary increase approved by the Washington Citizens' Commission, raising the governor's salary to $234,275 and lawmakers' pay to $72,494.
Washington taxpayers and state budget planners face higher payroll costs and potential scrutiny as public wages for elected officials increase amid ongoing budget pressures.
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Washington leaders receive raises amid commission-approved salary increases
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