2025-2026 POSTER: CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE

Choose your future right here in Washington!

Washington State is Growing Fast!

Over the last decade, our state has ranked 1st in the country for economic growth and 9th for job growth. That means lots of opportunities are coming your way! Thanks to booming industries and a skilled workforce, Washington’s future is bright.

More Jobs Are Coming

The economy is changing fast, and research tells us there will be great opportunities ahead for skilled workers in our state. From 2023 to 2032, Washington’s job market is expected to grow by 12.8%—way faster than the national average of 2.8%. And with exciting growth in fields like clean technology, semiconductors, and infrastructure, job growth could reach nearly 16%!

1.5 Million+ Job Openings in Washington by 2032

  • 640,000 of these jobs will be brand new.
  • 910,000 will open up as people retire.

But here’s the thing—75% of these jobs will require education or training after high school. Whether it’s a bachelor’s degree, associate degree, apprenticeship, or other industry credential, education after high school will be key to unlocking these opportunities.

Where Will the Jobs Be?

Six industries stand out based on the number of job openings that will be available, offering good pay and strong career growth. They also have the benefit of being critical to our communities and are less likely to be automated. Check them out:

  • Advanced Computing & Technology (Think software developers, computer support specialists, and computer systems analysts.)
  • Business & Management (Think business operations specialists, management analysts, and market research analysts.)
  • Clean Technology (Essential clean energy jobs, like power plant operators, HVAC, and power distributors and dispatchers.)
  • Construction & Skilled Trades (Building the future, literally. Think construction laborers, carpenters, and electricians.)
  • Education (Especially teachers.)
  • Healthcare (Especially nurses, nursing assistants, and medical assistants.)

The Need for Skilled Workers

While job opportunities are growing fast, there’s a challenge: Washington doesn’t have enough workers with the right skills. By 2032, there will be a shortage of nearly 600,000 skilled workers!

This includes people with:

  • Bachelor’s Degrees (We’ll be short by 301,000 workers.)
  • Certifications & Apprenticeships (We’ll need 228,000 more people with specialized training.)
  • Associate Degrees (A gap of 67,000 workers.)

Why This Matters to You

If you’re thinking about what’s next after high school, this is the time to plan for the future. Whether you’re aiming for a degree or industry credential, the opportunities are there—you just need to be ready to grab them!

Washington’s future is bright, and it needs you. Whether you see yourself teaching the next generation, building clean energy solutions, designing cutting-edge technology, or caring for our communities, the path is wide open. These high-demand fields are where the opportunities are waiting. The question is: which one will you choose? Click on the links below to get started!

You could also start by taking this career quiz!