Overall unemployment rate moved up to 6.0% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Olympia-Tumwater, WA market rose by 1,649 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 80 bps to 6.0%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Olympia-Tumwater, WA unemployment rate is 211 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 110 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 11.8% 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 February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.9% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 42,300; +400
  • Transportation & Utilities: 20,800; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 19,500; +300
  • Business Services: 15,400; +300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 10,800; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 7,200; +100
  • Other Jobs: 5,000; no change
  • Financial Services: 4,100; no change
  • Manufacturing: 3,500; +100
  • IT & Development: 1,800; no change
Olympia-Tumwater, WA Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.