County profiles
This profile gives details about Washington state's labor economy. You can learn about each of Washington's counties in their individual profiles.
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September 2026 state highlights
Updated October 2026
Compared to August 2026, the unemployment rate decreased from 4.7% to 4.3% (175,851 unemployed individuals). Employers reported 1,800 fewer jobs on payrolls (for a total of 3,653,300 jobs).
Washington's labor market highlights
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Washington's economy can best be described as diverse. Top sectors for employment resemble the nation as a whole and are reflective of a growing population. Government, healthcare and social assistance and retail trade top Washington's labor market in terms of employment.
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Washington's economy can also be described as innovative and is characterized by deep specialization. The Seattle-Bellevue-Everett area is well-known for excellence in aerospace manufacturing and information technology. Agricultural production also showcases fertile and productive land and a lab for technological innovation.
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The unemployment rate has increased slowly over the past couple years, from the high 3% range in 2022 to the 5% range in 2026, suggesting that the labor market is becoming increasingly challenging for job seekers. In the past couple months, the unemployment rate has declined somewhat, driven by a reduction in the number of unemployed job seekers and a relatively unchanging labor force.
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Over the past couple years, the general picture in Washington has suggested slowing employment growth, with a great deal of diversity under the surface. High profile layoffs in the information sector and government have dominated headlines while healthcare and manufacturing quietly add jobs.
Contact Washington's chief labor economist
Anneliese Vance-Sherman
- Email Anneliese: anneliese.vance-sherman@esd.wa.gov
- Call Anneliese: 564-900-0748
Workforce development areas
Region and metropolitan areas
Washington is part of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ west region. It includes the following Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs):
- Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA
- Seattle-Bellevue MD (part of Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA)
- Tacoma-Lakewood MD (part of Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA)
- Everett MD (part of Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA)
- Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater MSA
- Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard MSA
- Mount Vernon-Anacortes MSA
- Portland (Ore.)-Vancouver (Wash.)-Hillsboro (Ore.) MSA
- Longview MSA
- Spokane-Spokane Valley MSA
- Kennewick-Richland MSA
- Walla Walla MSA
- Yakima MSA
- Bellingham MSA
- Wenatchee MSA
Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics website for more about information about Washington.
Employment updates for September 2026
Changes to the labor force and unemployment
The September 2026 unemployment rate was 4.3% in Washington state and 4.0% in the United States.
| Measure | September 2026 | August 2026 | September 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participant (labor force) | 4,077,593 | 4,052,108 | 4,064,396 |
| Employed persons | 3,901,742 | 3,861,699 | 3,881,891 |
| Persons seeking work | 175,851 | 190,409 | 182,505 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.3% | 4.7% | 4.5% |
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research (LMIR) Division, Local area unemployment statistics (LAUS)
Washington unemployment rate, January 2024 - September 2026
Washington's unemployment rate typically tracks well with the national rate. The unemployment rate has been in the 4% to 5% range since 2022. Over the past year, the unemployment rate has been increasing gradually, signaling an increasingly challenging market for job seekers.
| Year | Jan. | Feb. | Mar. | Apr. | May | Jun. | Jul. | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
5.0% | 5.1% | 4.7% | 4.1% | 4.3% | 4.4% | 4.7% | 4.7% | 4.1% | 4.2% | 4.3% | 4.3% |
|
4.7% | 5.0% | 4.6% | 4.2% | 4.3% | 4.3% | 4.6% | 4.7% | 4.5% | N/A | 5.3% | 5.3% |
|
5.8% | 5.7% | 5.1% | 5.1% | 4.8% | 4.7% | 4.5% | 4.7% | 4.3% |
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research (LMIR) Division, Local area unemployment statistics (LAUS). BLS canceled October 2025's unemployment publications.
Key changes in payroll employment
This includes all employees with paid positions tracked in a company’s payroll system. This doesn’t include agriculture jobs or jobs outside of formal payroll such as freelancers, contractors and self-employed individuals. Numbers in this section are estimates generated by a monthly survey.
In September 2026, Washington state had 3,653,300 jobs.
Compared with August 2026, September employment decreased by 1,800 jobs.
- 8,900 more government jobs. Increases in government employment this month reflect the academic calendar. State government education increased by 8,300 jobs and local government increased by 5,300 as the school year began.
- 3,000 more private education and health services jobs. The largest increases were attributable to private education and were reflective of the academic calendar.
- 5,500 fewer leisure and hospitality jobs. Jobs in this sector are highly-seasonal and typically drop off in September. Businesses in accommodations and food services industries collectively shed 6,000 in September.
- 1,500 fewer manufacturing jobs. The largest decreases came from food manufacturing industries.
- A number of industries follow usual seasonal rhythms. The end of summer means declining employment in industries such as leisure and hospitality; it also means increasing employment in k-12 and higher education.
Compared with September 2025, this September’s employment was up by 9,200 (0.3%) jobs.
- 10,500 (1.9%) more private education and health services jobs. Health care and social assistance industries added 9,900 jobs over the year. Educational services added 600.
- 7,400 (2.1%) more leisure and hospitality jobs. Leisure and hospitality got a boost during the World Cup. Although employment declined from August to September, employment was up over the year.
- 5,900 (2.2%) more manufacturing jobs. Washington's aerospace prodcuts and parts manufacturing industries added 6,100 jobs over the year and was responsible for the largest annual increases.
- 11,000 (2.0%) fewer professional and business services jobs. Losses were widespread, showing up in professional, scientific and technical services (down 1,200), management of companies and enterprises (down 400) and administrative and support and waste management and remediation services (down 9,400).
- Employment growth has been relatively flat over the past couple years. Compared to September 2025, employment was up only 0.3%.
Employment estimates for Washington
See a snapshot of this month's data below. A detailed spreadsheet titled Current employment estimates, not seasonally adjusted is on the source page of our site.
Total jobs
| Industry sector | Sep. 2026 | Aug. 2026 | Sep. 2025 | Aug. 2026 to Sep. 2026 |
Sep. 2025 to Sep. 2026 |
Sep. 2025 to Sep. 2026 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total nonfarm | 3,653,300 | 3,655,100 | 3,644,100 | -1,800 | 9,200 | 0.3% |
| - Private | 3,046,900 | 3,057,600 | 3,038,000 | -10,700 | 8,900 | 0.3% |
| - Government | 606,400 | 597,500 | 606,100 | 8,900 | 300 | 0.0% |
Goods-producing jobs
| Industry sector | Sep. 2026 | Aug. 2026 | Sep. 2025 | Aug. 2026 to Sep. 2026 |
Sep. 2025 to Sep. 2026 |
Sep. 2025 to Sep. 2026 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goods-producing | 505,100 | 506,600 | 499,100 | -1,500 | 6,000 | 1.2% |
| - Mining and logging | 5,000 | 5,000 | 5,100 | 0 | -100 | -2.0% |
| - Construction | 222,500 | 222,500 | 222,300 | 0 | 200 | 0.1% |
| - Manufacturing | 277,600 | 279,100 | 271,700 | -1,500 | 5,900 | 2.2% |
Service-providing jobs
| Industry sector | Sep. 2026 | Aug. 2026 | Sep. 2025 | Aug. 2026 to Sep. 2026 |
Sep. 2025 to Sep. 2026 |
Sep. 2025 to Sep. 2026 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service-providing | 3,148,200 | 3,148,500 | 3,145,000 | -300 | 3,200 | 0.1% |
| - Wholesale trade | 128,900 | 129,900 | 133,100 | -1,000 | -4,200 | -3.2% |
| - Retail trade | 325,700 | 328,700 | 328,200 | -3,000 | -2,500 | -0.8% |
| - Transportation, warehousing, and utilities | 160,100 | 161,100 | 161,600 | -1,000 | -1,500 | -0.9% |
| - Information | 162,100 | 161,700 | 164,800 | 400 | -2,700 | -1.6% |
| - Financial activities | 165,700 | 166,700 | 162,600 | -1,000 | 3,100 | 1.9% |
| - Professional and business services | 536,600 | 535,900 | 547,600 | 700 | -11,000 | -2.0% |
| - Private education and health services | 574,700 | 571,700 | 564,200 | 3,000 | 10,500 | 1.9% |
| - Leisure and hospitality | 359,300 | 364,800 | 351,900 | -5,500 | 7,400 | 2.1% |
| - Other services | 128,700 | 130,500 | 124,900 | -1,800 | 3,800 | 3.0% |
| - Government | 606,400 | 597,500 | 606,100 | 8,900 | 300 | 0.0% |
Note: Data benchmarked through March 2026, updated October 14, 2026. The current month’s data is preliminary. Analysts continue to refine past months as more related information becomes available. Industry columns use North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) industry titles. Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research Division, Washington employment estimates (WA-QB & CES)
Employment details for industries and sectors
This profile section uses the latest Quarterly Census of Employment and Wage (QCEW) annual averages data.
This quarterly census data includes both agricultural and nonagricultural employment and wages for firms, organizations and individuals with employees covered by the Washington State Employment Security Act. Covered employment refers to the total number of employees with this type of coverage.
Top sectors by employment
2025’s annual average was 3,583,335 total covered employees.
- Government - 596,005 jobs.
- Healthcare and social assistance - 486,198 jobs.
- Retail trade - 325,246 jobs.
- Accommodation and food services - 281,088 jobs.
- Manufacturing - 268,559 jobs.
Top sectors by wages
2025’s annual average wage was $96,434 for covered employees.
- Information - $290,455.
- Management of companies and enterprises - $256,540.
- Professional, scientific, and technical services - $166,310.
- Finance and insurance - $146,335.
- Utilities - $145,457.
2025 annual average employment by industry
Source: Employment Security Department/Labor Market Information and Research (LMIR) Division, Covered Employment (QCEW)
Workforce demographics for Washington state
Age
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate |
Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 16 years and over | 6,336,814 | 64.5% | 5.1% |
| 16 to 19 years | 370,387 | 39.4% | 16.8% |
| 20 to 24 years | 482,036 | 79.1% | 9.0% |
| 25 to 29 years | 567,313 | 85.2% | 5.2% |
| 30 to 34 years | 620,865 | 83.8% | 4.8% |
| 35 to 44 years | 1,120,410 | 83.6% | 4.3% |
| 45 to 54 years | 936,511 | 82.1% | 3.6% |
| 55 to 59 years | 453,094 | 74.8% | 4.1% |
| 60 to 64 years | 487,013 | 58.8% | 3.4% |
| 65 to 74 years | 788,312 | 24.9% | 3.8% |
Race and Hispanic or Latino origin
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate |
Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| White alone | 4,332,121 | 61.9% | 4.8% |
| Black or African American alone | 245,692 | 69.4% | 7.6% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 71,598 | 61.2% | 8.0% |
| Asian alone | 648,495 | 70.4% | 3.6% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone | 43,368 | 68.9% | 6.2% |
| Some other race alone | 331,672 | 72.1% | 5.6% |
| Two or more races | 663,868 | 70.2% | 6.8% |
| Hispanic or Latino origin (of any race) | 772,805 | 72.6% | 6.2% |
| White alone, not Hispanic or Latino | 4,196,124 | 61.5% | 4.8% |
| Population 20 to 64 years | 4,667,242 | 79.6% | 4.7% |
Sex
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate |
Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 2,389,162 | 84.6% | 4.8% |
| Female | 2,278,080 | 74.4% | 4.6% |
Females with children
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate |
Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With own children under 18 years | 779,891 | 72.2% | 4.3% |
| With own children under 6 years only | 181,805 | 70.0% | 4.9% |
| With own children under 6 years and 6 to 17 years | 153,447 | 61.6% | 5.8% |
| With own children 6 to 17 years only | 444,639 | 76.8% | 3.7% |
Poverty status over the past 12 months
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate |
Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below poverty level | 433,360 | 44.8% | 22.9% |
| At or above the poverty level | 4,176,310 | 83.8% | 3.7% |
Disability status
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate |
Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| With any disability | 520,588 | 52.4% | 10.2% |
Educational attainment
| Demographic characteristic | Total | Labor force participation rate |
Unemployment rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population 25 to 64 years | 4,185,206 | 79.7% | 4.2% |
| Less than high school graduate | 327,710 | 65.6% | 7.2% |
| High school graduate (includes equivalency) | 886,041 | 73.5% | 5.6% |
| Some college or associate's degree | 1,266,575 | 78.0% | 4.6% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 1,704,880 | 86.8% | 3.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2024: ACS 5-year estimates, S2301 | Employment Status
Funding
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.