Employment Security releases quarterly look at state labor market conditions 

  • Data & metrics

Released on

Washington state map outline with text that says Quarterly Labor Market Report

Anneliese Vance-Sherman, Chief Labor Economist

Using monthly economic data from October to December 2024, the Employment Security Department is providing a quarterly look at the Washington labor market. This quarterly report includes current labor market conditions, unemployment insurance claims, nonfarm employment information, and a spotlight on industries with high proportions of immigrant labor.

Here are some key highlights of current labor market conditions in Washington state:

  • The unemployment rate throughout 2024 hovered in the high 4% range. The statewide unemployment rate in December was the lowest of the year at 4.5%.
  • Nonfarm employment continues to increase despite an interruption during the Boeing strike in September – October.
  • From December 2023 to December 2024, employment increased by 30,600.
  • Nearly 20% of Washington’s employed workforce was born outside of the United States. Foreign-born workers contribute to every industry in Washington, especially agriculture, information, professional and business services, transportation, warehousing and utilities, and manufacturing.

The current labor market continues to expand slowly despite recent disruptions. In December 2024, the preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Washington was 4.5%, comparable to 12 months ago (4.2%).

Look for the next monthly economic report to be released in early March.

Read the full quarterly report here: Quarterly Labor Market Report (PDF, 233KB).