Seattle's job market shows signs of softening amid broader Washington state challenges. According to the Employment Security Department, Washington employers cut 14,500 jobs in September 2025, with the state's unemployment rate holding steady at 4.5 percent, while the Seattle metro area's rate reached 4.9 percent as reported by Zillow and federal statistics, up from 4.2 percent a year earlier. The employment landscape reflects a mix of losses in tech and manufacturing alongside gains in education, health services, transportation, warehousing, utilities, and leisure and hospitality, which added 10,300, 2,100, and 2,000 jobs respectively in September per ESD data. Major industries include technology led by Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, alongside healthcare, logistics with firms like Expeditors, and consulting from BCG Seattle focusing on digital transformation in tech, healthcare, retail, and industrial goods. Growing sectors encompass AI-driven roles in data science and engineering at BCG X, warehousing and distribution via companies like ShipHype and PNW Warehousing, and telehealth following Handspring Health's acquisition of Seattle's Joon Care, adding over 40 clinicians. Recent developments feature tech layoffs totaling 141,159 nationwide in 2025 per reports on Amazon's impact, a 35 percent drop in Seattle job postings since pre-pandemic levels due to AI shifts and cuts at Amazon and Microsoft, and delayed October data from a federal shutdown. Seasonal patterns indicate peak ridership in micromobility like Lime bikes in August, while commuting trends favor alternatives amid return-to-office mandates from Amazon and Starbucks boosting downtown activity. Government initiatives remain limited in available data, with gaps in November 2025 figures until January 2026 release. The market is evolving toward AI automation reducing entry-level tech roles but spurring specialized digital jobs, amid softening hiring and a labor force dip of 3,900 in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett region. Key findings highlight a weakening market with stable but elevated unemployment, tech vulnerabilities, and opportunities in logistics and health. Current openings include Area Sales Manager at Capital One in Seattle, Senior Solutions Engineer at Disney, and BCG X roles in data science and AI in Seattle. Thank you listeners for tuning in, and please subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI