Washington’s key sectors

The undisputed global leader in aerospace, Washington’s aviation industry goes back more than a century. The state has more than 1,500 firms in its aerospace cluster, developing and building products and services for major manufacturers and airlines throughout the world, including Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier.

The state’s 39,500 farms grow, produce and ship 300 different crops, ranking second in the nation. Food and beverage production supports 164,000 jobs in Washington State, which is the leading producer of apples, sweet cherries, pears, raspberries and hops in the United States.

Taking an idea and turning it into a viable product or service, one that can be monetized, sold and resold, is one of the most powerful ways to increase wealth and equity throughout the state while ensuring diversity and inclusivity. More than 180,000 workers are employed in the creative sector, which includes designers, artisans, 3-D technologists, digital designers and many more traditional and emerging disciplines.

For nearly 200 years Washington’s forest products sector has been a mainstay of the state’s economy. As the third largest manufacturing industry in Washington, the sector is composed of 1,700+ companies representing a range of product lines, from raw timber and laminates to next-generation biofuels.

Some of the most important advances in medicine and global health have come from Washington State, including revolutionary new treatments for cancer, kidney disease and heart attacks. Our critical mass of world-class research facilities, nimble life science companies and global health organizations is improving health around the world.

With thousands of miles of shoreline, it shouldn’t be too surprising that Washington State is a powerhouse for the maritime industry, employing 69,500 trades people, shipwrights and marine engineers. The industry is focusing on electrification of marine vessels, from fishing fleets to the state’s ferries.

The state’s fourth largest industry, Tourism brings in more than $21 billion annually to Washington and employs 180,000+ workers statewide. Due to its geographic locale and direct access to international markets in Asia and Europe, Washington is a popular destination for visitors around the world.

Given the state’s rich history in aerospace, it comes as no surprise that Washington has a burgeoning space cluster that includes well-established players and innovative newcomers focused on a wide range of opportunities in commercial and government space exploration.

This program focuses on building an economic future that is as inclusive, diverse and resilient as the people who live here. It encourages cluster members to work together to foster new ideas to solve industry challenges, drive innovation, increase market access and stimulate growth. 

With its historic leadership in manufacturing and technology, Washington is a natural choice for the semiconductor industry, from R&D and advanced materials to robotics and next-gen innovation.