How updates to the State Average Weekly Wage in Colorado, Oregon, and Washington impact Paid Family and Medical Leave
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In June, three states announced changes to their State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW). Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they impact the benefit calculations for state paid leave.
Colorado Paid Family and Medical Leave (CO PFML)
Currently, the SAWW is $1,471.34. Effective July 1, 2025, the SAWW will be $1,534.94.
The new SAWW applies to all leaves:
That begin on or after 7/1/25, and
In progress on 7/1/25 ( e.g., leave began 6/17/2025 and continued past 7/1/25).
The benefit calculation is:
90% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW) equal to or less than 50% of the AWW plus
50% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage that is more than 50% of the AWW
The weekly maximum benefit will change from $1,324.21 to $1,381.45.
For more information, please see 2025 Max Benefits Order.pdf | Powered by Box.
Oregon Paid Family and Medical Leave (OR PFML)
Currently, the SAWW is $1,307.17. The new SAWW is $1,363.80. This impacts new claims with benefit years beginning July 6, 2025 or later.
The benefit calculation is:
100% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage equal to or less than 65% of the AWW, plus
50% of the portion of the employee’s average weekly wage that is more than 65% of the AWW
The weekly maximum benefit is $1,636.56 (120% of the SAWW). The minimum weekly benefit is $68.19 (5% of the SAWW).
For more information, please see OR PFML SAWW Press Release.
Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (WA PFML)
The current SAWW is $1,714.00. The new SAWW will be $1,830.00 for new claims filed on or after January 1, 2026.
The benefit calculation is:
90% of an employee’s AWW that is less than or equal to 50% of the SAWW, plus
50% of the employee’s AWW greater than 50% of the SAWW
The weekly maximum benefit is $1,647.00 (90% of the SAWW). There is no change to the minimum benefit.
For more information, please see Washington’s average wage increased to $95,160 in 2024 | Employment Security Department.