Washington Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Washington fell 0.0 percentage points in September 2022 to 3.7%. The state unemployment rate was 0.2 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 16.8% and is now 13.1 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.7% in July 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see Washington unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	September 2022	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.5%	-0.2	-1.2
Washington	3.7%	0.0	-1.1

Note: All comparisons are made with September data as October state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Washington, National

Washington monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to September 2022

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Washington Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Washington peaked in April 2020 at 678,764. There are now 528,612 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 149,063 in July 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 1,089. Washington job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	September 2022	Month/Month	Year/Year
Washington	150,152	+910	-39,262

Number of Unemployed Persons