Benefits from Washington’s Paid Family & Medical Leave program are a vital source of support for Washington workers. More than 221,000 individuals have claimed Paid Leave benefits in the first 9 months of 2026, totaling more than $1.8 billion dollars.

Washington’s labor market decreased by an estimated 15,400 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in September 2026 while the unemployment rate decreased, for the third consecutive month, to 4.8%.

County unemployment rates and employment data for August 2026 are now available on the Employment Security Department website. Visit the labor force page to view historic and current data on the unemployment rate.

Washington’s labor market decreased by an estimated 900 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in August 2026 while the unemployment rate decreased, for the second consecutive month, to 4.9%.

If you care about disability justice and want to work to achieve equity for people with disabilities, apply to volunteer for the Washington State Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues & Employment (GCDE).

The Employment Security Department this month celebrates the importance of workforce development programs in Washington.

County unemployment rates and employment data for July 2026 are now available on the Employment Security Department website. Visit the labor force page to view historic and current data on the unemployment rate.

Washington’s labor market increased by an estimated 21,100 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in July 2026 while the unemployment rate decreased slightly to 5.0%.

Washington state’s job growth is projected to remain slow over the next eight years, according to the Employment Security Department’s annual update of industry and occupational employment projections. The projected annual job growth rate from 2024 to 2029 is 0.85% and from 2029 to 2034 is 0.84%.

Resource providers for veterans and their families can attend a free conference that includes employment resources, workshops and more.
The ninth annual Serving Those Who Served event takes place Aug. 19 to 20 at the Wenatchee Convention Center.