Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 4.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 6,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA market declined by 13,280 jobs in October and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA unemployment rate is 34 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 190 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 4.6% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Unemployment October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 407,900; +3,200
  • Business Services: 318,000; +2,000
  • Education & Healthcare: 283,000; +1,700
  • Government: 266,200; +6,700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 176,800; -3,400
  • Manufacturing: 161,200; +700
  • IT & Development: 143,800; -700
  • Construction, Mining: 135,800; -1,500
  • Financial Services: 103,700; +400
  • Other Jobs: 73,700; -200
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 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.