what ’ s working
Aerospace Powers Washington Economy
New report shows recovery of Washington ’ s aerospace industry post-pandemic .
Jacqueline Allison
Washington ’ s aerospace industry remains a cornerstone of the economy , supporting jobs economy-wide , spending at small businesses , and more .
At A Glance
Aerospace manufacturing jobs in Washington continue to grow after a pandemic decline . In 2023 , aerospace manufacturers employed
77,400 workers and paid $ 11.3 billion in wages . Employees earned an average wage of $ 113,200 .
The industry also supported 19,400 indirect jobs and 97,200 induced jobs – jobs created when employees spend their wages locally . Aerospace employees spend millions annually at local restaurants , retailers , health care clinics and more in Western Washington .
A key challenge is training the next generation of workers as older , experienced employees retire .
Find the full report : seattlechamber . com
Washington ’ s aerospace industry remains a key driver of economic growth as it continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic .
In 2023 , aerospace manufacturers supported 194,000 direct and indirect jobs , paid nearly $ 20 billion in labor income , and generated $ 71 billion in revenue for Washington businesses . Aerospace workers in Everett and Lynnwood spend $ 1 billion a year in the local economy , boosting restaurants , retailers and many other small businesses .
Those are some of the key findings from a report on the impacts of Puget Sound ’ s aerospace industry , published by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Community Attributes , Inc . in July .
“ The report shows the tremendous impact the industry has on Washington state ,” said Rachel Smith , president and CEO of the chamber .
The seven-week strike by Boeing machinists in the fall , which brought uncertainty to the aerospace supply chain and caused billion of dollars in economic damage , underscored the importance of the aerospace sector .
26 association of washington business