International Trade and Economic DevelopmentDepartment of Community, Trade & Economic Development 
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WorkforceWorkforce Size and AvailabilityStatewide, the annual average unemployment rate in August 2007 was 4.9%. County averages range from 3.0% to 9.5%. Industry- and location-specific information about labor availability, including recent plant closures, is available at the Workforce Explorer site.
Educational LevelWashington has a higher concentration
of adults with at least 12 years of
education than any Western state, and
it ranks sixth among all states (U.S.
Census Bureau, 2002). The state also
ranks well above average for adults
with bachelor's degrees, particularly
in the counties with a heavy concentration
of highly technical occupations.
Labor CostsWages for Washington workers are becoming
increasingly competitive. Employment
opportunities in the state attract out-of-state
workers, which tend to hold down wage
increases while assuring a plentiful
labor supply. Washington State minimum
wage is $7.93 as of January 1st, 2007. The Washington State Department
of Labor and Industries makes an annual
cost of living adjustment to the minimum
wage as the result of an initiative
approved by Washington voters in 1998.
Workers' Comp Rates rank among the lowest
in the nation (see the Taxes page for a full discussion).
Related Information
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