Overall unemployment rate moved up to 4.4% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2022.

Total employment in the Olympia-Tumwater, WA market rose by 939 jobs in August and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 4.4%. The national unemployment rate stayed flat over the same time period at 3.8%.

  • Olympia-Tumwater, WA unemployment rate is 61 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 90 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 15.9% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Olympia-Tumwater, WA Unemployment August 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.1%. Key sectors include:

  • Government: 39,600; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 18,900; -100
  • Education & Healthcare: 18,700; no change
  • Business Services: 13,400; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 11,100; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 7,700; no change
  • Other Jobs: 4,700; no change
  • Financial Services: 4,100; no change
  • Manufacturing: 3,400; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,500; -100
Olympia-Tumwater, WA Unemployment by Industry August 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2022 (Data published September 2022 and reports created on September 28, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.