In 2025, the central Puget Sound region lost 12,900 jobs. If you exclude the anomaly of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the first time the region has experienced an annual decrease of jobs since 2009, during the depths of the Great Recession.
The loss of 12,900 jobs in 2025 comes on the heels of slowing regional job growth in 2023 (10,600 jobs added) and 2024 (14,700 jobs added).
Source: Washington State Employment Security Department
Jobs data reported for King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties
Historically, jobs in the Puget Sound region have grown by between 30,000-40,000 jobs per year. Employment growth during the Amazon boom was significantly higher, peaking at 61,100 jobs added in 2016.
PSRC is working with partners to craft a new Regional Economic Strategy that will align regional efforts to boost economic growth. Regional leaders are exploring strategies to support job growth as part of the plan.