Washington State employee salaries follow a structured pay scale with step levels, ensuring fair compensation across various roles. For example, an Agricultural Technologist earns between $38,004 and $50,328 annually, with monthly wages ranging from $3,167 to $4,194. Employees may also receive standby pay for on-call availability, ranging from $1.27 to $1.69 per hour. Represented employees, such as those under the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), benefit from collective bargaining agreements that influence wages and benefits. While these salaries apply to General Government agencies, higher education institutions follow separate pay structures managed by their HR departments.
Washington State Employee Salaries
Washington State provides competitive salaries for its employees, ensuring fair compensation across various job roles. Salaries are determined by job classification, step levels, and collective bargaining agreements. Below is an in-depth look at the salary structure, focusing on the Agricultural Technologist position as an example.
Salary Structure and Pay Scale
Washington State employee salaries are structured into step levels, ranging from Step A to Step M. Each step represents a progressive increase in compensation based on experience and tenure.
For an Agricultural Technologist, the salary range is as follows:
- Annual Salary: $38,004 (Step A) to $50,328 (Step M)
- Monthly Salary: $3,167 (Step A) to $4,194 (Step M)
- Hourly Wage: $18.20 (Step A) to $24.10 (Step M)
This pay scale applies to General Government agencies and the Higher Education Coordinating Board. However, salaries for higher education colleges and universities may differ based on their internal pay structures and collective bargaining agreements.
Additional Compensation: Standby Pay
Employees in certain positions, such as Agricultural Technologists, may be eligible for standby pay, which compensates workers for being available outside regular working hours. The standby rate varies by step level, ranging from $1.27 per hour (Step A) to $1.69 per hour (Step M).
Representation and Collective Bargaining
Washington State employees may be categorized as non-represented or represented workers. Represented employees are part of labor unions, such as the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), which negotiates wages, benefits, and working conditions on their behalf.
Exclusions and Special Cases
The salary schedule provided does not apply to higher education faculty or university employees, whose pay scales are managed separately. Employees seeking specific salary details for universities should refer to their respective human resource departments or collective bargaining agreements.
Conclusion
Washington State offers structured salary increments to its employees, ensuring growth and stability. Positions such as Agricultural Technologist receive competitive wages with opportunities for advancement through step increases. Additionally, benefits such as standby pay and collective bargaining agreements enhance the overall compensation package.
For more details on Washington State employee salaries, individuals can refer to the official salary schedule listing or consult their agency’s HR department.
