Washington Unemployment Rate Increased to 5.1% in February 2026

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:30:14 +0000
Employment & Labor

Washington ESD announced the state's unemployment rate rose to 5.1% in February 2026, the fourth consecutive monthly increase. The state added an estimated 700 jobs (seasonally adjusted) while unemployment claims decreased to 77,405 beneficiaries, down 8,129 from January. Total employment remains only 0.4% above February 2025 levels.