Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.9% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Olympia-Tumwater, WA market rose by 2,308 jobs in October and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.9%. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Olympia-Tumwater, WA unemployment rate is 50 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 30 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 16.4% 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 October 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 40,200; +600
  • Education & Healthcare: 19,100; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 18,900; +100
  • Business Services: 13,700; +600
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 10,900; no change
Olympia-Tumwater, WA Unemployment by Industry October 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2022 (Data published December 2022 and reports created on December 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.