Washington’s economy gained 3,500 jobs in February and the state’s unemployment rate dropped to a record-low 3.8 percent.
According to the Employment Security Department, hiring remained solid in February prior to concerns over the COVID-19 virus outbreak, though economists say the low unemployment rate is unlikely to last as the economic impacts from containment efforts become more clear.
Private job growth occurred in construction; professional and business services; information; and other services.
Eight industries posted losses – leisure and hospitality; manufacturing; wholesale trade; transportation, warehousing, and utilities; financial activities; retail trade; mining and logging; and education and health services.
Year over year, Washington added an estimated 100,900 new jobs from February 2019 through February 2020. (Washington Employment Security Department)
