Seattle’s job market in mid-2025 is marked by sustained strength, steady population inflows, and the ongoing evolution of its economic landscape. The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue region has experienced nearly 11% population growth over the last decade, with international migration now outpacing domestic arrivals, especially among tech and higher education workers as reported by KNKX. High levels of remote work continue, as Seattle holds the nation’s highest remote work rate among major tech cities at 36%, according to AOL. The city boasts over two million employed, with the US Bureau of Labor Statistics noting approximately 2,163,100 jobs in June 2025 and an annual employment growth rate of 1%. Seattle’s unemployment rate sits at 3.6%, well below the national average and reflecting robust job creation, as highlighted by KIRO 7 News Seattle.
Major industries include technology, aerospace, logistics, healthcare, and education. Amazon and Microsoft anchor the technology sector and are among the region’s largest employers, benefiting from both domestic and international talent through programs like the H-1B visa initiative. Boeing remains a significant force in aerospace, while logistics and distribution sectors, led by firms such as SP Logistics and Oceanwing, anchor trade and supply chain activity.
Emerging and rapidly expanding sectors in Seattle include artificial intelligence, biotech, sustainable energy, and ag-tech. Brookings reports that 7% of all US AI-related job postings are based in Seattle, reflecting its status as an innovation hub and the increasing prevalence of AI skills in both technical and non-technical roles. Healthcare continues to grow, notably fueled by advancements in medical research and strong hospital networks.
Recent developments indicate downtown Seattle’s gradual recovery from the pandemic, with downtown foot traffic, apartment occupancy, and hotel stays nearing or exceeding pre-pandemic levels, per reporting from Axios. Seasonal employment shows predictable summer surges in hospitality, construction, and retail due to tourism and events, while public transit usage continues to rise as foot traffic resumes.
Commutes are shaped by an increasing hybrid workforce, with high proportions of workers now telecommuting part- or full-time, thus impacting transportation and downtown economic activity. According to the Downtown Seattle Association, downtown worker presence hit its highest rate since early 2020, although still trailing pre-2020 highs. In government, new initiatives under “Washington in the Making” focus on workforce development, simplifying business licensing, and supporting entrepreneurs, as described by WA2040.org, aiming to prepare workers and employers for rapid shifts in technology and business needs.
Longer term, the market’s evolution will hinge on international migration trends, remote work adoption, and innovation in fields such as AI and green industries. However, data gaps remain regarding precise wage growth and sector-specific unemployment rates, and workforce participation data by demographic remains limited.
Key findings are that Seattle remains a magnet for top talent, led by technology and innovation; population growth is increasingly driven by international arrivals; and government and business groups alike are actively planning for future workforce and infrastructure needs.
Listeners interested in job opportunities, as of July 2025, can look at current openings such as Software Engineer at Microsoft, Operations Analyst at Oceanwing, and Registered Nurse at the University of Washington Medical Center.
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