Washington adds 4,100 jobs; unemployment rate unchanged

Washington’s economy added 4,100 jobs in June, while the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.7 percent, unchanged from May.

“Payroll growth slowed a bit in June compared with last May,” said Paul Turek, economist for the state Employment Security Department. “What’s positive is that the consecutive string of jobs added per month continues and is scheduled to reach six years next month.”

The national unemployment rate was at 4 percent in June.

In Washington, private sector employment grew by 4,800 jobs in June, while the public sector lost 700 jobs. Nine industries added jobs, while four shed jobs. Most of June’s job growth occurred in professional and business services, which added 3,800 jobs. Information-related jobs grew by 1,000, and transportation, warehousing and utilities jobs were up by 900.

Also experiencing job growth were education and health services; wholesale trade and manufacturing; retail trade; and leisure and hospitality.

Construction experienced the biggest reduction in June, shedding 2,200 jobs. Government employment lost 700 jobs, financial activities lost 300 jobs and mining and logging lost 100 jobs.

Year-over-year job growth remains strong in the state. Washington added an estimated 83,500 new jobs from June 2017 through June 2018. The private sector grew by 2.9 percent, adding 80,500 jobs, and the public sector grew by 0.5 percent, adding 3,000 jobs.