Salaries and employer-paid insurance benefits for faculty members at public community colleges in Washington were compared with those of other states to provide a basis for a salary increase recommendation to the Governor and the Legislature. Salary level assessment involved comparing average salary increases to the cost of living advance as indicated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). While the CPI was expected to advance 47.14% from 1970-71 through the end of fiscal year 1976-77, faculty salaries were to advance an expected 34.30%. Had average salaries kept pace with CPI advances, community college salary averages for 1977-78 would be $18,903 or 15.81% greater than the estimated level for 1976-77. A comparison of increases in average salaries in various public educational components throughout the state indicated that since 1971-72 community colleges received both smaller percentage and lower real dollar increases than either K-12 or the four-year colleges or universities. The 2,283 Washington community college faculty members received average salaries 10.01% less in 1976-77 than averages for 13,508 faculty members in 23 other states. Information on faculty salaries compared to workers in other fields and recommendations for setting a statewide salary level policy are discussed. Ten data tables are included. (TR)