The state reported 10,800 jobs added in July by businesses and 11,700 in the public sector.

OLYMPIA, Wash. — Washington’s unemployment rate is holding steady at 4.5%, a report released Wednesday shows. This is slightly higher than the national average of 4.2% reported in July 2025. 

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“After a slow start to 2025, job growth in June and July brought the Washington employment landscape back to the overall story of continuing, but slowing, growth,” said Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist at the Employment Security Department. 

From June to July 2025, the number of people unemployed statewide increased by 500, the state said in a press release. That number went from 180,500 to 181,000. Some counties reported a higher unemployment rate than the state’s 4.5%.


According to the Employment Security Department, private sector employment has increased by 0.3%. In contrast, public sector employment is down by 0.8%, compared to last year.

From July 2024 to July 2025, there have been job gains and losses across several industries:

GainsPrivate sector employment – up 9,900 jobs since 2024Education and health services – up 16,600 jobs since 2024Transportation, warehousing and utilities – up 8,200 jobs since 2024 Information – up 4,100 jobs since 2024 Losses Construction – down 11,300 jobs since 2024Manufacturing – down 3,000 since 2024

Washington’s labor force in July 2025 was 4,024,900, according to the department. This is a 8,300 decrease from June 2025. 

“Layoffs and labor force participation are not necessarily connected,” the press release said. “When people are laid off but still seeking work, they remain a part of the labor force. A drop in labor force means people have left work and have not been seeking employment for more than four weeks.” 

More information on the state’s employment report and other monthly employment reports can be found here.