Key insights from public labor market data
A monthly snapshot of employment, wages, cost of living, and hiring trends in Seattle-King County.
Updated March 2026
Data delay notice: Due to a delay in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual benchmarking process following last year's federal government shutdown, the Employment Security Department will release January, February, and March 2026 employment data together in April. Because of these delays, Workforce Index employment and layoff data are delayed until April.
About the Workforce Index
The Workforce Index is a monthly snapshot of labor market conditions in Seattle-King County, created to help the workforce development ecosystem make sense of current trends and career pathways. It brings together public data on employment, hiring demand, wages, cost of living, and layoffs in one place.
What sets the Workforce Index apart is its connection to action. As the organization that administers the local workforce system, WDC pairs labor market analysis with program insights and access to data that can shape career pathways and improve job quality. Over time, the Index will expand to explore deeper questions about economic mobility, equity, and opportunity—and how data can support better outcomes for workers and employers alike.
Labor Force
(As of December 2025, WA ESD)
Employed
Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
ESD monthly, Lightcast quarterly
Jan–Mar 2026 employment and layoff data delayed until April
King County Labor Force Stable Amid Regional Shifts
Seattle–King County’s labor force remains strong at 1.37 million, with a 4.9% unemployment rate. Participation has held steady through 2025, but recent layoff announcements and a modest uptick in unemployment point to a more mixed outlook as the region heads into 2026. We’re tracking the official data closely in the months ahead as these signals show up in workforce measures.
Regional Overview · King County
Unemployment Trend
Unemployment Rate
(King County, ESD)
Jan–Mar 2026 employment and layoff data delayed until April
Regional Unemployment Continues Near 5%
Unemployment across the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue metro has remained below 5% since 2021, reflecting a relatively steady recovery period. The increase to 4.9% is a modest shift from earlier lows and suggests the labor market may be cooling. While the rate is still broadly consistent with pre-pandemic norms, we’ll be watching upcoming data closely as recent layoff activity and economic uncertainty show up more clearly in official indicators.
Need reemployment support or benefits?
If you’ve recently lost work—or expect a disruption—these resources can help you take the next step. WorkSource offers personalized 1:1 support, and ESD can help you understand unemployment benefits eligibility and how to apply.
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Cost of Living
12-Month CPI Change
(Seattle Area, BLS)
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a monthly measurement that tracks the average change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services. It acts as a primary indicator of inflation by showing how much more (or less) a typical basket of household items costs compared to the previous year.
Inflation Down from Historic Highs, Showing Modest Uptick in 2025
After peaking near 9% in 2022, inflation in the Seattle area has continued to cool overall. The Consumer Price Index rose 3.1% over the past year (2.7% excluding food and energy). While price growth remains well below pandemic-era highs, the past year has shown a modest uptick—keeping cost pressures elevated for many households.
What does it actually cost to live here?
Inflation trends are useful context, but household budgets depend on family size, location, and expenses.
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Jobs & Wages
Job Openings
(January – February, 2026)
Unique Employers
Competing for talent
Median Advertised Salary
per year
Source: Lightcast
Employer Demand Bounces Back From Holiday Slowdown, Median Wages Ease Slightly
Employers posted 64,014 job openings between January and February—up from 60,046 in the prior period. The number of unique employers posting also increased, rising to 8,940 (from 8,256). Median advertised salary dipped slightly to $89,956.
Who's Hiring the Most?
Amazon
Most unique job postings
Hiring Demand Concentrated Among Large Employers Across Key Sectors
Employer hiring activity remains concentrated among large regional organizations, with demand spanning tech, healthcare, public sector, and major service employers. The mix of high-volume postings and steady participation from many employers suggests continued hiring across both professional and frontline roles.
Which Roles Are Employers Hiring For?
Software Engineers
(-10.26% change in last 30 days)
Strong Demand Across Tech, Management, and Operational Roles
Software engineers, maintenance technicians, and project managers rank among the most frequently posted roles, while growing demand for machine learning engineers, product managers, and behavior analysts signals expansion in AI-adjacent and specialized professional occupations. Healthcare and frontline service roles remain present but less dominant than in prior months.
What Skills Are Employers Looking For?
Artificial Intelligence
Top rising skill in postings (+1,737 year over year)
Employers Are Prioritizing AI Fluency and Organizational Agility
Artificial intelligence tops the list of fastest-growing skill demands, while surging postings for workflow management, cross-functional collaboration, and team management suggest employers are reshaping how work gets coordinated—not just what technical tools are used. Compliance and governance skills are also rising sharply, pointing to growing regulatory complexity alongside the push toward automation.
How Much Do These Jobs Pay?
Explore pathways and job quality
Use these tools to connect earnings data to training options—and compare job quality signals by company and occupation.
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Layoff Trends
Total WARN Layoffs
Cumulative layoffs in 2025
Jan–Mar 2026 employment and layoff data delayed until April
Layoff Activity Elevated in 2025, with Uneven Impacts Across Industries
King County has seen higher WARN-reported layoff activity in 2025, with total affected workers nearly doubling compared to the same period in 2024. Information, Accommodation and Food Services, and Retail Trade show the largest increases, underscoring uneven pressure across the regional economy. As additional layoffs are announced and implemented, we’ll continue tracking how these shifts appear in the official data over the months ahead.
Need reemployment support or benefits?
If you’ve recently lost work—or expect a disruption—these resources can help you take the next step. WorkSource offers personalized 1:1 support, and ESD can help you understand unemployment benefits eligibility and how to apply.
Opens external sites in a new tab.
Your Input Matters
We’re building the Workforce Index with our community in mind. If you have ideas for what would make this monthly update more useful, we’d love to hear from you.