Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Olympia-Tumwater, WA market rose by 740 jobs in October and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Olympia-Tumwater, WA unemployment rate is 46 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 180 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in October versus prior month by -1.2% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Olympia-Tumwater, WA Unemployment October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 39,800; +600
  • Transportation & Utilities: 20,100; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 19,500; +100
  • Business Services: 12,200; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 10,300; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 7,100; +100
  • Other Jobs: 4,800; no change
  • Financial Services: 4,100; no change
  • Manufacturing: 3,100; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,400; no change
Olympia-Tumwater, WA Unemployment by Industry October 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on December 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.