Washington Adds 21,100 Jobs as Unemployment Hits 5.0%

Washington state just hit a major milestone in its economic recovery, adding 21,100 jobs in July while unemployment fell from 5.2% to 5.0%.

The news marks the third consecutive month of job growth and represents the largest single-month increase the state has seen since 2024. Over 40,500 jobs have been created in just three months from May through July.

"Private sector job growth was widespread, with the largest gains showing in the service economy," said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist for Washington's Employment Security Department. The momentum is touching nearly every corner of the state's economy.

Healthcare and education led the charge with 7,300 new positions. Restaurants and hospitality venues added 2,700 workers, while retail stores and professional services each brought on 2,500 people.

Manufacturing gained 2,200 jobs and construction added 1,900. In total, eleven of thirteen major industry sectors expanded last month.

The private sector powered the growth, creating 22,500 new positions. Government employment dipped by 1,400 jobs across federal, state, and local agencies, but private companies more than made up the difference.

More than 6,500 fewer Washington residents are unemployed compared to June. The total number of unemployed workers now stands at 202,908 across the state.

In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area, unemployment dropped from 5.2% to 5.1%. More than 3,200 residents in the region found work between June and July.

The Ripple Effect

These job gains reach far beyond paychecks. When thousands of families gain steady employment, local businesses see more customers walking through their doors. Kids have more stability at home. Communities grow stronger as neighbors move from uncertainty to confidence about their futures.

The growth touches lives in ambulatory care centers, where 1,900 new healthcare workers now serve patients. It shows up in social assistance programs that added 1,300 positions to help vulnerable residents. It echoes through 2,300 new jobs at restaurants and bars where people gather to celebrate life's moments.

Washington's job market is building real momentum, one opportunity at a time.