Workforce Characteristics
In This Section
Number of Employees and Headcount Trends
Summary of workforce, headcounts as of September 30, 2025:
- executive branch – 75,311
- legislative branch – 828
- judicial branch – 726
- general government (excluding higher ed) – 76,865
- For additional information see Geographic distribution of workforce
General Government Headcount by Fiscal Year
Executive Branch Headcount Trend by Quarter
Legislative Branch Headcount Trend by Quarter
Judicial Branch Headcount Trend by Quarter
Notes:
Includes permanent and nonpermanent employees.
General government (excluding higher education institutions).
Last Updated: 10/13/2025
Time Period: 09/30/2021–09/30/2025
Update Frequency: quarterly (end of fiscal quarter)
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Workforce Distribution by State Agency
- For additional information see Geographic distribution of workforce.
Three Agencies Employ Almost Half the Workforce
Percentages of chart may not total 100 due to rounding.
Notes:
Includes permanent and non-permanent employees.
General government (excluding higher education institutions).
Last Updated: 10/13/2025
Time Period: as of 09/30/2025
Update Frequency: quarterly (end of fiscal quarter)
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Types of Employment
- Classified employees are subject to civil service law RCW 41.06 or similar statutory provision.
- Most classified employees are union represented and covered by collective bargaining agreements.
- Non-Classified Covered employees are in positions exempt from RCW 41.06 but covered under a bargaining agreement or regulation.
- At-will employees serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and are not represented.
94% of General Government Workforce Covered by Civil Service Law or Bargaining Agreement
Percentages of chart may not total 100 due to rounding.
Notes:
Includes permanent and nonpermanent employees.
General government (excluding higher education institutions).
Last Updated: 10/13/2025
Time Period: as of 09/30/2025
Update Frequency: quarterly (end of fiscal quarter)
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Management Profile
- The manager headcount is a combination of at will and classified executive branch employees identified as “manager” by the employing agency.
- Managers include at-will, elected officials, agency directors, classified Washington General Service (WGS) managers and classified WMS managers.
Ratio of Managers to NonManagers
Diversity Profile for NonManagers and Managers as of September 30, 2025
| NonManagers | Managers | |
|---|---|---|
| Persons of Color | 24.5% | 18.1% |
| Persons with Disabilities | 5.7% | 5.2% |
| Female | 47.3% | 52.6% |
| X/Non-Binary | 0.6% | 0.3% |
| LGBTQ+ | 4.8% | 3.5% |
| Vietnam Era Veterans | 0.2% | 0.2% |
| Disabled Veterans | 0.8% | 1.4% |
| All Veterans | 5.2% | 8.3% |
| Military Spouse | 1.1% | 1.5% |
| Persons 40 and Over | 62.7% | 84.7% |
Notes:
Includes permanent and nonpermanent employees.
Executive branch only (excluding higher education institutions).
Does not include legislative and judicial branch agencies.
Last Updated: 10/13/2025
Time Period: 06/30/2022–09/30/2025
Update Frequency: quarterly (end of fiscal quarter)
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Classified Washington Management Service
Managing WMS Growth
- There were 5,645 WMS employees as of September 30, 2025.
- The WMS biennial cap established in 2007 ensures management of WMS growth. The current biennial cap is 7.5 percent.
- For additional information, see Washington Management Service.
Percent of WMS Employees
—7.5% Cap—
Percent WMS Employees by Management Type
Percentages on chart may not total 100 due to rounding.
Definitions:
Manager (M): Positions manage program(s), budget(s) and staff. This is a traditional managerial role.
Policy Adviser (P): Positions have significant authority for policy development, implementation and interpretation in a designated program area. Provides expert consultation or advice to executive management with significant policy impact. Positions are not typically in charge of staff.
Consultant/Expert (C): Positions exist based on expertise necessary for an agency’s specific operational area. Serves as a consultant or technical expert for a recognized discipline which may be acquired through an advanced degree or a field of expertise. Positions are not typically in charge of staff.
Notes:
Includes permanent and nonpermanent employees.
Executive branch only (excluding higher education institutions).
Does not include legislative and judicial branch agencies.
Last Updated: 10/13/2025
Time Period: 06/30/2022–09/30/2025
Update Frequency: quarterly (end of fiscal quarter)
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Geographic Distribution of Workforce
This data reflects the primary work locations of state employees and is updated quarterly.
- Concentration in Key Counties: Approximately 72.0% of state employees are located in five counties – see chart visuals tab in the dashboard.
- Distribution Across Other Counties: The remaining 28.0% of employees are spread across various counties.
- Headcounts on this dashboard may vary from headcounts on other workforce data pages since it excludes employees whose duty station is located outside Washington state and employees who have an undisclosed duty station pursuant to RCW 42.56.250.
Dashboard Navigation Notes:
- Hover over counties to view employee headcount.
- Click the Export All Data button to download a copy of the Workforce Headcount Table.
- Select Focus Mode to enlarge maps or tables.
Notes:
Includes permanent and nonpermanent employees.
General government (excluding higher education institutions).
Last Updated: 10/13/2025
Time Period: as of 09/30/2025
Update Frequency: quarterly (end of fiscal quarter)
We want to hear from you!
Please fill out the Workforce Data webpages survey to help us improve our content and user experience.