(The Center Square) – Washington state saw an increase in payroll employment last month, and a higher number of job openings in August, according to recent state and federal figures.
In September, Washington’s economy gained an estimated 7,900 jobs, reported the state Employment Security Department. Meanwhile, the monthly unemployment rate remained constant at 3.6%.
“Jobs grew at a faster pace than the prior month,” said ESD state economist Paul Turek. “The demand for workers has been resilient, although the trend toward more modest job growth remains intact.”
Last month’s unemployment rate was also an improvement compared to the 4.4% rate seen a year ago in September 2022.
The state also saw unemployment claims drop last month. Benefits were paid to 54,073 people, a decrease of 2,862 paid claims in August. In particular, there were fewer claims coming out of two labor sectors: transportation and warehousing, and health care and social assistance.
Washington’s unemployment rate in September was below the national average, which remained constant at 3.8%.
However, depending on location, the state’s jobless rate varied significantly. In northwest Washington, San Juan County’s unemployment rate was only 2.6% while at the far southeast corner Asotin County was just slightly higher at 2.8%. Adams County also had a 2.8% rate.
But up in the northeast, Ferry County had the highest jobless rate at 6%. And western Washington’s counties bordering or near the Pacific Ocean were all above 4% – Clallam (4.3%), Jefferson (4.2%), Grays Harbor (4.8%), Pacific (4.9%), and Wahkiakum (5.3%).
Overall, the state’s labor force numbered 4,061,200 persons. Labor force is defined as the total number of people, both employed and unemployed, over age 16. By definition, individuals who are laid off but still seeking work are considered part of the labor force, in contrast to unemployed persons who haven’t sought work for more than a month.
According to Employment Security, the statewide labor force did decline by 6,000 people from August to September. But over the past year, the eligible workforce grew by 53,700 persons with much of the increase – some 42,200 individuals – occurring in the greater Puget Sound areas of Seattle, Bellevue and Everett.
Statewide, private sector employment increased by 6,900 jobs from August to September while government employment increased by 1,000 jobs.
The sector showing the biggest job gains was professional and business services, up 3,900, including 2,100 jobs added in administrative and support services. That sector was followed by education and health services, up 3,600, including 1,000 jobs added in nursing and residential care facilities.
Sectors experiencing job losses in the last month included retail trades (down 800 overall), construction (down 1,100), and “other services” such as personal and laundry services (down 2,300).
Washington also saw an uptick in available jobs toward the end of this summer. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 195,000 job openings in August, an increase of 6,000 openings from July.
