Washington state’s economy gained an estimated 2,900 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in May.

“The May jobs report shows that the Washington labor market is mostly holding up,” Employment Security Department (ESD) state economist Paul Turek said.

“While the overall trend in job growth is slowing, it is occurring gradually.”

In contrast, he said, the household measure of employment—which measures the number of people employed, rather than the number of jobs in the economy—rose by 17,700 in May.

Washington state’s monthly unemployment rate decreased to 4.1 percent in April.

Clallam County’s unemployment rate for May was 4.8 percent — tied for 12-highest among the state’s 39 counties.

ESD paid unemployment insurance benefits to 55,247 people in May, a decrease of 2,368 paid claims over the previous month. Decreases in paid claims within the construction and agriculture sectors contributed to the overall decrease in paid claims over the month.

The national unemployment rate increased in May from 3.4 percent to 3.7 percent. For comparison, the national unemployment rate (revised) for May 2022 was 3.6 percent.

Job seekers continue to move back into the labor force

The state’s labor force in May numbered 4,065,500 — an increase of 8,500 people from the previous month.

Labor force is defined as the total number of people, both employed and unemployed, over the age of 16. Layoffs and labor force participation are not necessarily connected. When people are laid off but still seeking work, they remain a part of the labor force. A drop in the labor force means people have left work and haven’t been actively seeking employment for more than four weeks.

From May 2022 to May 2023, the state’s labor force increased by 29,500.

From April to May, the number of people who were unemployed statewide decreased from 174,500 to 165,300.

Private sector employment increased by 3,500 jobs while government employment decreased by 600 jobs.

The number of jobs in education and health services increased by 4,200 overall, with 2,400 jobs gained in ambulatory health care services. Manufacturing employment rose by 2,300, led by 1,800 jobs added in food manufacturing. Retail trade employment increased by 1,100 overall, with 800 jobs added by motor vehicle and parts dealers.

Professional and business services employment decreased by 2,100, with 1,800 jobs lost in employment services. Leisure and hospitality employment decreased by 2,300 overall, with 2,100 jobs lost in arts, entertainment and recreation.