WA paceman Lance Morris took three wickets as Queensland were bowled out for 153 in their second innings on day three at The Gabba on Thursday.
WA, seeking to become the first state to win four consecutive shields since Tasmania entered the competition in 1977/78, started the fixture at the foot of the ladder.
But WA (32.63 points) climbed to third, while NSW (32.87) snatched second spot after defeating Victoria, and Queensland (28.45) slid from third to fifth.
The outcome of the match between ladder-leaders South Australia (36.93) and Tasmania, now in last spot on 26.01, is to be decided.
WA's victory came only 11 days after being humiliated on home turf by SA when they posted scores of 120 and 66 in a six-wicket loss.
"We had a good little reflection ... but you can only talk so much," captain Sam Whiteman said.
"To put some actions into place and perform really well with both the ball and the bat is pleasing - it's a tough spot to win at, The Gabba.
"It gives us the best chance heading back home for the two final games."
After this round, all states have two games remaining before the final.
WA host NSW from March 6 and Victoria from March 15 at the WACA while Queensland will be on the road for their remaining fixtures, against Tasmania and South Australia on the same dates.
WA's triumph was set up by bowling out the Bulls for 147 in their first innings when offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli took a career-best 7-52.
The visitors, with Sam Fanning (95) falling just shy of his maiden first-class century, replied with 312.
Queensland's batsmen again struggled in their second innings with Ben McDermott and Lachlan Hearne top-scoring - both made 33.
WA's Morris was on hat-trick but the right-arm quick sent a delivery to Mitch Swepson wildly down the legside to miss the milestone.
Morris collected 3-35, also removing McDermott with a brute of a short ball which reared at the batsman, who edged to wicketkeeper Joel Curtis.
Rocchiccioli added 2-27 to finish with his best first-class match figures of 9-79.
"Awesome reward for him to get his first 5-for," Whiteman said.
"He has taken over 100 shield wickets without a five-for, so to finish with nine for the match is amazing.
"He's such a weapon for us on day one when it's spinning."
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