The average annual wage in Washington state increased by 5.4 percent, to $42,584, from 2005 to 2006, according to the Employment Security Department.

Broken down by week, the average weekly wage went from $776 in 2005 to $818 in 2006. It is the largest spike since 1999, when the average wage rose by 8.4 percent.

Among other things, the average wage is used to compute unemployment-insurance benefits for jobless workers. Because of the increased average wage last year, the minimum and maximum unemployment benefits will go up next month.

The minimum weekly unemployment benefit, calculated at 15 percent of the average weekly wage of $818, will increase from $116 to $122 starting July 1. The maximum weekly benefit, calculated at 63 percent of the average weekly wage of $818, will increase from $496 to $515.

The benefit amount had been capped at $496 for most claimants since 2004. Since workers