Quick Answer
Washington PFML (Paid Family and Medical Leave) is a state-mandated insurance program. In 2026, employees pay 0.4% of wages (up to $175,118 wage cap), which equals $700.47 maximum annual deduction or about $26.94 per biweekly paycheck for high earners.
Best Answer
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
Workers in Washington State who see PFML on their pay stub
What is Washington PFML and how much does it cost?
Washington's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is a state insurance program that provides partial wage replacement when you need time off for family or medical reasons. In 2026, you pay 0.4% of your wages up to the Social Security wage base of $175,118, meaning your maximum annual contribution is $700.47.
For most workers, this translates to a relatively small paycheck deduction:
Example: How PFML affects different salary levels
Let's break down what PFML costs at various income levels:
Note that once you earn more than $175,118 annually, you stop paying PFML on additional wages — just like Social Security tax.
What benefits does PFML provide?
Your PFML contributions buy you significant benefits:
The weekly benefit amount in 2026 is 90% of your average weekly wage, capped at approximately $1,327 per week (this cap adjusts annually based on state average wages).
Key factors that affect your PFML deduction
What you should do
Check your pay stub to confirm you're seeing the correct PFML deduction. If you earn $50,000 annually, you should see about $7.69 deducted per biweekly paycheck. Use our paycheck calculator to verify all your deductions are accurate and understand your full take-home pay picture.
Key takeaway: Washington PFML costs 0.4% of wages up to $175,118 annually, providing valuable family and medical leave benefits that replace 90% of your wages when you need time off.
Key Takeaway: PFML costs 0.4% of wages (maximum $700.47 annually) but provides up to 12 weeks of leave at 90% wage replacement when you need family or medical time off.
Washington PFML deduction amounts by salary level
| Annual Salary | PFML Rate | Annual Deduction | Biweekly Deduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | 0.4% | $160.00 | $6.15 |
| $60,000 | 0.4% | $240.00 | $9.23 |
| $80,000 | 0.4% | $320.00 | $12.31 |
| $100,000 | 0.4% | $400.00 | $15.38 |
| $175,118+ | 0.4% | $700.47 | $26.94 |
More Perspectives
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
New Washington workers seeing PFML deducted for the first time
Understanding PFML as a new Washington employee
As a new worker in Washington, you might be surprised to see "PFML" deducted from your first paycheck. This isn't a mistake — it's actually a valuable insurance program that protects you if you ever need extended time off.
Think of PFML like unemployment insurance or Social Security — you pay in now, and it's there when you need it. Even in entry-level jobs, life happens: you might need time off to care for a sick family member, recover from surgery, or bond with a new baby.
What this means for your budget
If you're earning $35,000 in your first job, PFML costs you $140 per year, or about $5.38 per biweekly paycheck. That's roughly the cost of a fancy coffee drink — a small price for significant financial protection.
Why this matters for young workers
Many young workers think they don't need family leave benefits, but consider:
Key takeaway: PFML is affordable insurance that grows more valuable as your salary increases, costing most entry-level workers less than $10 per paycheck.
Key Takeaway: For entry-level workers earning $35,000, PFML costs only about $5.38 per paycheck but provides crucial financial protection for family and medical situations.
Sources
- IRS Publication 15-T — Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods
- Washington State PFML Program — Official Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave program information
Related Questions
Reviewed by Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.