SPOCANE, Washington – Figures from the business data website Statista show that local labour markets are experiencing change as President Donald Trump's administration aims to reduce government.
Statista also estimates that around 75,000 Americans have accepted the takeover from the Trump administration. As these individuals seek new jobs, Spokane's workforce numbers indicate that local job openings are slowing.
“So, there are a few unknowns, but there are still sectors looking for people to work with employers. So if you want to work, the options may be a little more limited than in the past few years.”
The slowdown is by no means dramatic. During the cold winter months, the proportion of job openings tends to be low. However, the Spokane workforce is sufficient for places where many businesses choose not to join the Spokane County Career Expo on April 23, as they are currently not employed.
“I think it depends on the uncertainty that exists in the market,” McBride said. “But what it shows is that you've signed up or you're continuing to sign up, there's work and they want to hire people. So when you show up, you'll be in front of a very attractive audience of companies that want to hire you.”
However, some industries have been hardly affected and continue to hire at high rates. In 2024, the Spokane company added 5,500 new jobs. Healthcare and social services accounted for half of their growth.
Registered nurses remain the most common job openings.
“This is Spokane's biggest industry,” McBride said.
