From December 2024 to March 2025, private-sector establishments in Washington experienced gross job gains of 172,479 and gross job losses of 165,224, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Regional Commissioner Chris Rosenlund stated, “The difference between the number of gross job gains and the number of gross job losses yielded a net employment gain of 7,255 jobs in the private sector during the first quarter of 2025.” In comparison, the previous quarter saw a net employment gain of 3,420.
Business Employment Dynamics (BED) statistics measure changes in employment at private businesses from one quarter to another. The BED data show that in the first quarter of 2025, gross job gains represented 5.7 percent of private-sector employment in Washington. Nationally, this figure was slightly lower at 5.6 percent. Gross job gains result from expansions at existing establishments and new jobs created by opening establishments. Expanding establishments in Washington contributed 148,495 jobs during this period—similar to the prior quarter—while opening establishments accounted for an additional 23,984 jobs, which is a decrease compared to last quarter.
Gross job losses accounted for 5.5 percent of private-sector employment in Washington during this time frame; nationally it was reported as 5.4 percent. Contracting establishments lost a total of 154,512 jobs—an increase over the previous quarter—while closing establishments lost 10,712 jobs but this figure represents a decrease compared to earlier data.
Among industry sectors in Washington state during the first quarter of 2025, seven out of eleven recorded more job gains than losses. Retail trade posted the largest net increase with a gain of 6,204 jobs due to its combination of high gross gains and lower losses within that sector. Education and health services followed with a net gain of over four thousand positions while construction added nearly three thousand jobs on balance. Manufacturing experienced a net loss—the largest among all sectors—with almost three thousand fewer positions.
The BED series includes detailed information on gross job gains and losses by industry subsector across all states and territories as well as by employer size class at the firm level.
The next release covering Business Employment Dynamics for the second quarter of 2025 is scheduled for February 26, 2026.
BED data are produced through cooperation between federal and state agencies under the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages program using existing records maintained by BLS.
For further details about definitions or methodology used in these statistics or accessibility options for individuals with sensory impairments contact BLS directly via voice phone or Telecommunications Relay Service.
