Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which lost 300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2022.

Total employment in the Olympia-Tumwater, WA market rose by 111 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 47 bps over the same time to 3.3%.

  • Olympia-Tumwater, WA unemployment rate is 48 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 70 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 14.6% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Olympia-Tumwater, WA Unemployment September 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.8%. Key sectors include:

  • Government: 39,500; -100
  • Education & Healthcare: 19,000; +200
  • Transportation & Utilities: 18,800; -200
  • Business Services: 12,900; -300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 10,900; -300
  • Construction, Mining: 7,500; -200
  • Other Jobs: 4,600; -100
  • Financial Services: 4,100; no change
Olympia-Tumwater, WA Unemployment by Industry September 2022

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

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.