A Snapshot of Tacoma, WA Economics and Employment
Tacoma, WA has been enjoying steady economic growth over the last few years. If you work as a travelling nurse and accept a position in Tacoma, it’s a good idea to do some research on the area when it comes to employment and economic statistics. Many travelling nurses use their careers as a method of scouting potential places to settle down permanently, and economic information is important to have as you decide on a place to live.
Tacoma Employment Statistics
In 2018, Tacoma remained steady on the employment front with an unemployment rate consistently below 5%. Thousands of nonfarm payroll jobs opened, and the demand for healthcare professionals in the area continues to soar. Registered nurses in particular have many opportunities for high-paying work in the Tacoma area. Healthcare and social assistance remain the top employment sectors of the Tacoma, WA area. Job growth was around 2% for the last year, and employment is expected to grow nearly 40% over the next ten years, eclipsing the national projection of around 33%.
Income Statistics for Tacoma
The average annual income per capita in the Tacoma area is just under $28,000, which is slightly below the national average of $29,829. The median household income is around $55,000 per year and very slightly above the national average. Part of the reason behind the modest yet positive wage growth in the Tacoma area is the new voter-approved minimum wages laws that took effect in 2016, set to increase up to $13.50 per hour in 2020.
Things to Know About Livability in Tacoma
Retail salespersons, retail supervisors, and registered nurses are the most in-demand jobs in the Tacoma area. If you work as a travelling nurse and find Tacoma to be a nice place to settle down for good, you should have little trouble finding permanent employment in the area. Healthcare organizations like MultiCare and Catholic Health Initiatives have posted thousands of job listings over the last few years, and Tacoma’s steady economic growth over the years can make it a great place for a travelling nurse to settle down into a permanent position.