Key insights from public labor market data
A monthly snapshot of employment, wages, cost of living, and hiring trends in Seattle-King County.
Updated April 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 February and March 2026 employment data in late April. Because of these delays, Workforce Index employment and layoff data are delayed.
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 January 2026, WA ESD)
Employed
Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
ESD monthly, Lightcast quarterly
King County Unemployment Ticks Up to Start 2026
King County's unemployment rate rose to 5.7% in January 2026, up from 4.9% in December, as the number of unemployed residents climbed by nearly 12,000. The region's labor force remained largely stable at 1.36 million, suggesting the shift reflects job losses rather than workers leaving the workforce. Early 2026 data will be watched closely to determine whether this uptick is seasonal or signals a broader shift in the local labor market.
Regional Overview · King County
Unemployment Trend
Unemployment Rate
(King County, ESD)
Chart reflects data through January 2026.
Regional Unemployment Continues Near 5%
King County's unemployment rate climbed to 5.7% in January 2026, the highest in over 4 years. While the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue metro has maintained a relatively stable labor market through the post-pandemic recovery, this uptick — driven by a rise of nearly 12,000 unemployed residents — suggests early pressure on the region's job market.
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.
Seattle Area Inflation Ticks Up, Remaining Below Recent Highs
The Consumer Price Index for the Seattle area rose to 3.9% as of February 2026, reflecting a continued uptick from the lows seen in mid-2024. Excluding food and energy, prices rose 3.4% — suggesting broad-based price pressure rather than volatility in any single category. While inflation remains well below the peaks seen in 2022, the recent upward trend means cost pressures are still a reality for many Seattle-area 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
(February – March, 2026)
Unique Employers
Competing for talent
Median Advertised Salary
per year
Source: Lightcast
Job Openings and Wages Edge Up in Early 2026
Employers posted 65,970 job openings between February and March 2026 — up from 64,014 in the prior period — with 9,087 unique employers competing for talent. Median advertised salary also ticked upward to $90,880 per year, crossing back above the $90K threshold. The across-the-board gains suggest steady employer demand in King County heading into spring.
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
(+24.12% change in last 30 days)
Strong Demand Across Tech, Service, and Healthcare Roles
Software engineers, registered nurses, and project managers continue to rank among the most frequently posted roles, reflecting steady demand across tech and healthcare. Several frontline and supervisory positions saw notable percentage increases in postings over the past 30 days, suggesting growing momentum in service and operational hiring alongside professional roles. The breadth of demand — from machine learning engineers to pharmacy technicians — points to a labor market where opportunities remain spread across multiple sectors.
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.
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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.