As a land-grant institution committed to advancing the public good, understanding how our academic programs align with the demands of the labor market is more important than ever. Our latest environmental scan examines our state’s labor market to answer a critical question: are we preparing students for the jobs that exist — and will continue to exist — in Washington’s economy?
This scan explores labor force participation, unemployment trends, occupational demand, and program alignment across the state. Key findings show persistent disparities in employment outcomes by age, race, gender, and education level, and highlight the growing need for career-focused education. We also identify the occupations driving job growth, as well as the fields experiencing decline.
Importantly, this work is not just about understanding the numbers. It’s about identifying how we can better serve Washington’s diverse communities: by expanding access for underserved groups, adapting our programs to meet regional workforce needs, and offering flexible options for reskilling and upskilling. Grounding our academic strategy in real labor market data ensures that our graduates leave prepared for meaningful careers — and that WSU continues to play a leading role in shaping Washington’s economic future.
“The State of Washington: Understanding trends in Washington state to advance WSU” is the Office of Institutional Research’s ongoing environmental scan series, working to inform WSU’s leaders with up-to-date and relevant data on key topics. For more information about environmental scanning from us, check out our trends page.
Key takeaways from this report:
- Labor Force Demographics: Washington’s labor market is diversifying, but participation and unemployment still vary significantly among demographic groups. Young adults, women with caregiving responsibilities, and Black and Hispanic communities face the most persistent barriers. Individuals with bachelor’s degrees or higher continue to have the lowest unemployment rates and were least affected by the pandemic.
- Labor Force Shifts: Demand for high-skill occupations is growing, especially in business operations, healthcare, and engineering — fields aligned with WSU’s most productive bachelor’s degree programs. However, administrative and clerical jobs are declining.
- Looking Forward: Program alignment with the changing workforce is essential. Reskilling and upskilling, nontraditional credentials, and employer partnerships offer WSU high-impact strategies to meet both student needs and regional labor demands.
Ready to dive deeper? Explore the full report and discover detailed insights below. View or download the PDF to see how our findings can support informed decision-making and planning at WSU. Stay tuned for additional reports coming in the months ahead!
About the Author
Stephen Pool is a Data and Strategy Associate in Institutional Research at Washington State University. With his background in labor market analysis and education economics, he supports the WSU system by providing insights that inform decision-making and guide the university’s priorities.