Overall unemployment rate moved up to 7.1% with the biggest shift in Restaurants & Hotels, which gained 1,300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA market rose by 1,557 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 7.1%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA unemployment rate is 55 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 130 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 6.8% and are equal compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA Unemployment February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 56,300; +1,200
  • Transportation & Utilities: 45,700; +400
  • Government: 39,100; +100
  • Business Services: 26,100; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 17,700; +1,300
  • Manufacturing: 16,800; +300
  • Construction, Mining: 14,200; -100
  • Financial Services: 13,700; +400
  • Other Jobs: 9,600; no change
  • IT & Development: 3,100; no change
Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.