Working in Seattle

If you’re moving to and working in Seattle, you’ll find that the city’s economy encompasses many different industries. Seattle was the home of the Boeing Company’s headquarters for much of its history, and the city has historically been somewhat dependent on the aerospace industry. Although Boeing relocated its corporate headquarters in 2001, there are still major manufacturing facilities in the area.

The economy has diversified over time, and thriving industries in the city now range from the manufacture of transport equipment and forestry products to technology and environmental engineering.

Job market in Seattle

If you’re hired to work in Seattle, you’ll most likely find employment in the technological, healthcare and engineering sectors. Seattle has a reputation for its ability to attract well-educated workers from both within the US and abroad.

Microsoft, Amazon, Meta, and Google are some of the principal employers in Seattle. While there’s still demand for software engineers, computer analysts and web developers, the tech job market has become a lot more competitive following a round of layoffs and hiring slowdowns in 2022 and 2023. Seattle is also the home of retail giants such as Starbucks, Nordstrom, and Costco.

Finding a job in Seattle

While there are opportunities for skilled workers, the job market is very competitive, and many of Seattle’s top employers look for candidates who stand out from their peers. To succeed in the workplace in Seattle, you’ll need to be pragmatic, and upskilling frequently in areas like AI and cloud computing will help you stay ahead of the competition. Recruitment agencies and online job portals can assist with the process of finding a job.

Useful links

• Built In Seattle: Tech and Startup Jobs
• WorkSource Seattle-King County: Free Career Services and Job Search Support
• Indeed: General Job Search Portal

Work culture in Seattle

Seattle maintains reasonable unemployment rates, although the market has tightened since 2022. Most of the major employers provide their employees with generous benefits, which have contributed to creating a good working environment and one of the most productive workforces in the country.

The people of Seattle are known for being industrious, and as a result, employers try to provide a company structure where talented individuals can progress through the ranks. Working in Seattle, you’ll discover that companies put a real emphasis on investing in the education and training of their staff to limit staff turnover and ensure workers become more valuable to the organisation.