Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.7% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in May 2023.

Total employment in the Olympia-Tumwater, WA market rose by 1,695 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 120 bps to 4.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 27 bps over the same time to 3.6%.

  • Olympia-Tumwater, WA unemployment rate is 108 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 10 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 10.2% 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 March 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 42,600; +200
  • Transportation & Utilities: 21,000; +200
  • Education & Healthcare: 19,800; +200
  • Business Services: 15,200; -200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 10,800; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 7,300; +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 March 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2023 (Data published May 2023 and reports created on May 9,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.