Welcome to the Washington State Employment Security Department 

Supporting workers when they need it the most, and helping employers build their workforce

April 2026
Unemployment rate
Seasonally adjusted
5.2%
0.1%
April 2026
Total unemployment
Seasonally adjusted
212,533
3,537
April 2026
Payroll employment
Seasonally adjusted
3,627,600
4,500

Featured news

Posted on Jun. 10, 2026
Washington’s average annual wage grew by 4.9% in 2025 to $99,810, according to the Employment Security Department. The increase was driven by a 0.2% decrease in covered employment and a 4.7% increase in total earnings, which grew by nearly $15.7 billion.
Posted on May. 05, 2026
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible workers who became unemployed due to severe weather in Dec. 5-19, 2025. The deadline to apply is June 10, 2026.