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 August 2026)
In August 2026, Pierce County’s labor force stood at approximately 488,900 people, with around 463,800 employed and about 25,100 out of work. The unemployment rate for that month was 5.1 percent.
Looking at the recent trend, this is actually an improvement compared to earlier in 2026. The county started the year with unemployment at 6.4 percent in January, and rates have gradually come down through the spring and summer months. The August 2026 figure ties with May 2026 as the best month of the year so far.
However, compared to 2025, unemployment is running somewhat higher. Through much of 2025, the rate hovered between 4.5 and 5.1 percent, and for most of 2024 it stayed even lower. The current 5.1 percent rate represents a modest but noticeable step back from the stronger job market seen in those prior years, though it remains far below the difficult stretch during the pandemic in 2020, when unemployment in the county peaked near 19 percent.
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 August 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
(Jul 2026 – Sep 2026)
During the third quarter of 2026, Pierce County, WA saw approximately 3,500 unique companies post a total of 19,100 job openings, reflecting a broad and active labor market across the region. Healthcare emerged as a dominant sector, with General Medical and Surgical Hospitals leading all industries with 961 unique postings, while occupations such as Registered and Practical Nursing, Healthcare Patient Support, and Advanced Healthcare Therapists collectively accounted for over 1,500 postings. Transportation and logistics also represented a significant share of demand, with Truck and Bus Drivers topping the occupation rankings at 840 unique postings, supported by activity in General Freight Trucking as a contributing industry. Retail and food service rounded out the top areas of employer demand, with Retail Sales and Service, Food and Beverage Preparation, and related occupations appearing prominently among the highest-posted roles in the county.
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 Apprentices
Excerpt
More than 700 residents in Pierce County are currently employed via apprenticeships. With 86 different programs and providers, Pierce County apprenticeships represent nearly 200 different…
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Hire Pierce County: Next Gen 2022 Report
Excerpt
2022 Report November 2021 – August 2022 The Hire Pierce County: Next Gen young adult internship program had a positive impact on both young adults…
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.