BELLINGHAM, Wash. – The Employment Security Department says wages in Whatcom County are on a slight uptick.

The preliminary report shows that average annual wages increased by just over 5% from $56,200 in 2021 to $59,100 last year.

This increase still falls short of the estimated 7% rise in inflation in that time span, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Average annual employment grew by 5% as well, highlighted by a 20% increase in the arts, entertainment and recreation sector.

Average wage growth in the state slowed to a 2% increase in 2022 after seeing a 10.6% surge the previous year.