What Washington’s “In Demand” Jobs List Means for Our Workforce and Local Communities

​What Washington’s “In Demand” Jobs List Means for Our Workforce and Local Communities

​Washington State’s “In Demand” employment list is a valuable tool used to identify which occupations have strong hiring needs both now and in the future. Developed by the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) in collaboration with the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (WTECB), this list plays a vital role in connecting people with meaningful careers and helping employers find qualified workers. For local communities and businesses, it acts as a roadmap to economic stability and opportunity.
 
The list is built using a mix of labor market data, including job vacancies, projected growth, wage levels, and employers’ feedback. Importantly, it accounts for regional differences, ensuring that workforce strategies reflect the unique needs of each part of the state. Once reviewed, occupations are labeled as “in demand,” “balanced,” or “not in demand.” These labels help inform jobseekers, schools, and policymakers about which careers are most likely to lead to stable employment.
 
This information directly influences access to education and job training support. Many public training programs, including those funded by state and federal dollars, require that participants pursue a career on the “in demand” list in order to qualify for tuition help. Similarly, high schools and community colleges use the list to guide decisions about which classes and degree programs to offer, ensuring that students graduate with skills that employers actually need. Workforce boards also rely on it to develop local economic strategies that align with real job opportunities.
 
For businesses, the benefits are clear. A workforce trained for in-demand careers means fewer staffing shortages, faster hiring, and lower training costs. It also allows employers to engage with local education providers to shape the curriculum and build talented pipelines for the future. On a broader level, communities benefit when their residents are employed in well-paying, stable jobs, reducing poverty, and strengthening the local economy.
 
That said, the list isn’t perfect. Although it is updated regularly, it can lag behind sudden economic shifts such as industry downturns or natural disasters. It’s also not a hard rule—just because an occupation isn’t listed as “in demand” doesn’t mean there’s no opportunity in that field, especially in smaller or niche markets. Therefore, it is best used as a guide rather than as a guarantee.
 
In short, Washington’s “In Demand” list helps everyone—from job seekers and students to educators and business owners—make better decisions about employment and training. This ensures that resources are directed toward careers that have a strong future, ultimately benefiting the entire state. For businesses, in particular, it offers a chance to align with workforce trends, advocate for relevant training programs, and prepare for long-term success. By focusing on what is in demand, we stand to gain.
 
The Benton and Franklin County In-demand Job List is developed and maintained by the Benton-Franklin Workforce Development Council. This current list for any county in the state can be found here.