Washington’s economy gained an estimated 2,900 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in May.
Washington’s monthly unemployment rate was 4.1 % in May – down slightly from 4.3% in April.
The state Employment Security Department paid unemployment insurance benefits to 55,247 people in May, a decrease of 2,368 paid claims over the previous month. Decreases in paid claims within the construction and agriculture sectors contributed to the overall decrease in paid claims over the month.
The state’s labor force in May numbered 4,065,500 – an increase of 8,500 people from the previous month. From May 2022 to May 2023, the state’s labor force increased by 29,500.
Job sectors reporting the largest gains in May included: education and health services; manufacturing; and retail trade. The biggest declines were seen in professional and business services; and leisure and hospitality.
