If you’re looking to land the perfect new job in 2023, you’re in luck as pathways to employment exist in the Spokane Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA).
Spokane’s labor force continues to grow, even with a decrease in unique job postings and a rise in unemployment claims. Payroll employment has grown by 6,300 new jobs year-over-year, with 2022 seeing more than 100,000 unique job postings online across multiple industries. The targeted industries in Spokane County have seen the largest one-year increase in new job gains, even when the market took a dip in December of 2022.
Spokane County’s Targeted Industries:
- Healthcare & Social Assistance
- Professional & Business Services
- Finance & Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Transportation & Warehousing
- Leisure & Hospitality
Spokane County still posted nearly 6,500 new online job listings.
Michael McBride, Spokane Workforce Council, Business & Industry Analyst
In unemployment news and data, December 2022 reported an increase to 5.2%, which is approximately the same seasonal rate observed over the previous winter months.
However, the overall labor force continued to grow to 268,417 – higher than pre-pandemic labor force totals. Currently, there are approximately two open jobs for every individual worker with an active unemployment claim in Spokane County.
Projected high retirement rates still weigh heavily on future employment growth, as older generations navigate toward retirement in record numbers. The sustained growth of the Spokane economy is expected, though it will rely heavily on engaging workers who have been sitting out on the sidelines since 2020 or even earlier.
The Spokane Workforce Council (SWC) and its WorkSource Spokane One-Stop Campus is staffed to connect every community member to that “perfect new job in 2023.” Here’s how they can help:
- WorkSource Spokane serves adults 25+ and can assist community members at every phase of the job search process.
- Next Generation Zone guides young adults 16-24 to their career goals through education and work training opportunities.
- Resource Center of Spokane County is always available to walk-in customers seeking social services, resources, and support.
- Talent Solutions by WorkSource Spokane focuses on helping businesses meet their talent acquisition needs from end to end.
If you would like to learn more about our region’s labor market and dive deeper into the data, please contact SWC’s Business & Industry Analyst Michael McBride to request a custom report and appointment to review the labor market information that’s relevant to you.
