Data
Through our partnerships with labor market analysts, economic development agencies, industry and “real-time” labor information tools such as Jobs EQ, we determine the employment, wage, demographic data, and occupational projections to forecast workforce changes in our area.
We compare business skills demand against training supply and inform training and education providers, colleges and partners so that industry needs for skilled talent can be addressed, while helping individuals gain the needed skills for employment in our region’s high-growth industries.
Advancing economic mobility in Southwest Washington through job quality and training opportunities
Through investments in local companies, community organizations, economic development, and higher education, WSW builds strong partnerships to develop the economy and support business growth and recovery, provide opportunities for economic mobility and challenge systems that bar individuals from economic prosperity. Our investments match the needs of local businesses with a highly skilled and trained workforce, creating greater economic success across Southwest Washington.
In the program year 2021–2022, our investments helped to provide more than 3,000 services to job seekers and place more than 500 individuals in full-time employment at an average wage of $22.28 per hour.
In the 2021-2022 program year

0
services provided

0
job seekers served*

0
placed into full time unsubsidized employment**

$0
average annual wage for participants placed in full-time jobs

$0+ mil
Invested in training & career services for job seekers.

$0
Invested in training existing & new employees of in-demand industries.
*Represents direct program participants as well as those served for whom we do not have demographic data.
**This number represents full-time employment and does not include placements in internships, apprenticeships, part-time employment, further education, etc.
People trained for in-demand jobs
In Southwest Washington, healthcare, construction, manufacturing and technology are industries with high wages, projected growth and demand for skilled workers. WSW investments in these sectors provide quality job opportunities for individuals while meeting the high need for talent.

0%
Construction

0%
Healthcare

0%
Manufacturing

0%
Technology
WSW Investments

Business Services
As the local workforce development board, WSW is best positioned to propose solutions to meet business challenges. The WSW Business Services team can refer, connect and convene system partners, including economic development, education and workforce to get companies to the right resources quickly.

Envisioning a region where economic prosperity and growth exists for every person
Across the region, historically underrepresented individuals and families with low- and middle-income lack the economic opportunities critical to success. Access to quality jobs and training opportunities creates a highly skilled workforce and further opportunities to grow small businesses and create a strong Southwest Washington economy.
Through targeted investments and outreach, the Quality Jobs Initiative and workforce advocacy, we strive to create an accessible and effective workforce system exists to advance equity for individuals and to promote the community and economic development goals of the region.

0%
of participants served self-identified as Black, Indigenous or Person of Color
Participants by Race/Ethnicity

White | 70.8% |
Decline to identify | 8.8% |
Asian | 7.1% |
Black/African American | 5.5% |
Two or more races | 4.3% |
Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander | 2.2% |
American Indian/Alaska Native | 1.3% |
Participants by Education Level

High School Diploma | 22.3% |
Some College, No Degree | 21.1% |
Bachelor’s Degree | 15.0% |
Less than High School Diploma | 11.5% |
Associate Degree | 10.7% |
GED or High School Equivalent | 10.5% |
Other Post-Secondary Degree or Certificate | 4.7% |
Master’s Degree | 3.3% |
Doctorate | 0.8% |
Participants by Gender

Female | 62.1% |
Male | 35.2% |
Other/Decline to Identify | 2.7% |
Participants who identified with having a Disability

Did not identify with having a Disability | 89.3% |
Identified with having a Disability | 10.7% |
Participants by County

Clark County | 1,675 |
Cowlitz County | 437 |
Wahkiakum County | 5 |
In-demand occupations, certifications and skills
Clark County
188,445 Total Employment
(Q3 2022)
$65,005 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q3 2022)
5.3% Unemployment Rate
(January 2023)
Top Industries by Employment Q3 2022
Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
---|---|---|
Healthcare & Social Assistance | 29,546 | $63,858 |
Retail Trade | 20,596 | $40,317 |
Construction | 18,499 | $68,906 |
Educational Services | 17,034 | $47,455 |
Accommodation and Food Services | 14,953 | $27,563 |
Manufacturing | 14,639 | $69,674 |
Cowlitz County
43,079 Total Employment
(Q3 2022)
$60,137 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q3 2022)
6.5% Unemployment Rate
(January 2023)
Top Industries by Employment Q3 2022
Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
---|---|---|
Manufacturing | 6,946 | $78,508 |
Healthcare and Social Assistance |
6,468 | $56,627 |
Retail Trade | 5,414 | $37,525 |
Construction | 3,541 | $72,695 |
Accommodation and Food Services | 3,277 | $23,771 |
Education Services | 3,243 | $56,154 |
Wahkiakum County
949 Total Employment
(Q3 2022)
$40,541 Avg. Annual Wage
(Q3 2022)
7.5% Unemployment Rate
(January 2023)
Top Industries by Employment Q3 2022
Industry | Number Employed | Avg. Annual Wages |
---|---|---|
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting |
193 | $44,040 |
Utilities | 125 | $73,803 |
Public Administration | 83 | $44,592 |
Retail Trade | 81 | $25,368 |
Manufacturing | 68 | $35,257 |
Construction | 64 | $44,794 |
Workforce-Related Information
Demographics and Household Profiles
Public School Statistics