Story perspectives

Washington's Unemployment Hits 5.1% Amid Job Growth Shift

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Washington's unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in February 2026, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase.
The state added 700 net jobs in February 2026.
Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist, said that despite a 0.4% increase in jobs over the past year, the labor force may be shifting.
From January to February 2026, the number of unemployed individuals increased by 3,784.
Job growth occurred mainly in professional services, manufacturing, and leisure, with private education and health services reporting a 5,700-job loss; the national jobless rate also rose to 4.4%.

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Story summary

Washington's unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in February 2026, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase.
The state added 700 net jobs in February 2026.
Anneliese Vance-Sherman, chief labor economist, said that despite a 0.4% increase in jobs over the past year, the labor force may be shifting.
From January to February 2026, the number of unemployed individuals increased by 3,784.
Job growth occurred mainly in professional services, manufacturing, and leisure, with private education and health services reporting a 5,700-job loss; the national jobless rate also rose to 4.4%.