This page provides key Pierce County workforce development and labor market data, including employment, unemployment, labor force participation, job demand, wages, cost of living, and commuting patterns.
While regional statistics often group Pierce County with the greater Seattle metropolitan area, these dashboards focus on Pierce County: specific workforce trends to support data‑driven decisions by county leaders, workforce professionals, employers, and the public.
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Employment
(As of September 2026)
In September 2026, Pierce County’s labor force stood at approximately 499,800 people, with around 474,200 employed and 25,600 unemployed, putting the unemployment rate at 5.1 percent. This is a notable improvement compared to earlier in the year, when unemployment peaked at 6.4 percent in January 2026. Looking at the broader trend, unemployment in the county has risen compared to 2024 and early 2025, when rates were generally in the 4 to 5 percent range. The current 5.1 percent rate is still far better than the devastating highs seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when unemployment briefly reached nearly 19 percent. While conditions have improved since the start of 2026, unemployment remains elevated compared to recent years, suggesting the local job market has softened somewhat but continues to show signs of gradual recovery heading into the fall.
This section provides a high‑level overview of employment conditions in Pierce County, including the size of the labor force and the number of people who are employed. These key performance indicators help county leaders, workforce professionals, and employers quickly assess the overall health of the local labor market and understand how many residents are actively participating in work.
Labor Force
Employed
Layoffs & Unemployment
(As of September 2026)
This section highlights unemployment and job loss indicators in Pierce County, including the number of unemployed workers and the unemployment rate. These metrics provide insight into economic disruptions, labor market stability, and the level of support residents may need during periods of transition. Layoff and unemployment data is critical for workforce planning and rapid response efforts.
Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
WARN Layoff Notices
this quarter
Affected Workers
| WARN | Other* |
|---|---|
| 637 Q3 | 121 Q3 |
| 730 YTD | 347 YTD |
*Workers engaged with WorkForce Central’s Business Solutions’ Rapid Response
Cost of Living
(As of August 2026)
After peaking above 10% in mid-2022, inflation in the South Puget Sound region followed the national trend downward, falling to nearly 1.7% in April 2025 before climbing again in recent months. The most recent regional estimate, from August 2026, stands at 4.36%, which is notably higher than the national average of 3.37% for the same period. This gap between Pierce County and the national average has widened over the past year, continuing a pattern where our region has experienced more persistent inflationary pressure than the country as a whole.
Cost of living data compares local and national inflation trends, including year‑over‑year changes in the region. These indicators help explain how rising prices affect workers, wages, and household budgets in Pierce County. Understanding inflation trends provides important context for wage growth and economic stability.
Pierce Inflation Rate
National Inflation Rate
Labor Market & Demand
(Aug 2025 – Oct 2026)
Between August 2025 and October 2026, Pierce County, WA saw approximately 7,800 unique companies post a total of 92,100 job openings, reflecting a broad and active labor market across the region. Healthcare emerged as the dominant sector, with General Medical and Surgical Hospitals leading all industries at 6,527 unique postings, and Registered Nurse ranking as the most in-demand occupation with 3,486 postings. Beyond healthcare, strong demand was also evident in transportation and logistics, with Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver posting 3,374 openings, as well as in retail, where Sales Associates, Store Managers, and Merchandisers collectively accounted for thousands of additional postings. Elementary and Secondary Schools ranked second among industries with 2,910 unique postings, underscoring that education, alongside healthcare and skilled trades, remained a critical pillar of employment demand in Pierce County throughout the period.
This section provides real‑time insight into labor market demand in Pierce County, using job posting data to show what employers are hiring for right now. Metrics such as top employers, in‑demand occupations, required education and experience, wages, skills, and hiring locations help businesses, workforce professionals, and educators align talent supply with employer needs.
Jobs Posted
Companies Posting
Top Employers by Unique Job Postings
Top Jobs by Unique Job Postings
Labor Market Trends
Top Industries by Unique Job Postings
Top Cities by Unique Job Postings
Top Skills by Unique Job Postings
Commuters
Commuting data illustrates how workers move in and out of Pierce County for employment, including residents who live and work locally, commute out of the county, or commute in from surrounding areas. Understanding commuting patterns helps regional planners and employers assess labor availability, transportation needs, and the broader labor shed that supports Pierce County’s economy.
Reports
Explore recent reports published by WorkForce Central.
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Pierce County Young Adults: Disconnection & Opportunity – 2026 Report
Excerpt
This report examines the experiences of the more than 14,000 disconnected young adults in Pierce County and the systems shaping their access to work and…
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Creating Pathways to Possibility for Young Adults in Pierce County
Excerpt
The reality young adults are facing Connecting young adults to real opportunities is an honor. Many of them have heard “no” more times than they…
Questions & Requests
If you have questions about any of our reports or would like to submit a data request, get in touch via our contact form.