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Statshot: Life Science on the Rise in Washington

Advancing scientific knowledge, improving public health

By Seattle Business Magazine August 20, 2024

A life science scientist wearing gloves and a mask holds a test tube filled with blue liquid among several others in a laboratory setting.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Seattle magazine.

Washington state’s life science industry bucked the pandemic downturn, with impressive job growth, especially among women. The industry added $21.7 billion to the state’s GDP in 2022, and contributed $1.6 billion in local and state tax revenue. “Washington has solidified its standing as a top 10 life science hub in the country,” Life Science Washington CEO and President Marc Cummings says. “The industry continues to expand quickly and provide job opportunities at all experience levels.”

  • 4,640 Total employment
  • 14% Job growth between 2020 and 2022
  • 43% Job growth between 2015 and 2022
  • 45% Percentage of women employed
  • $125,274 Average annual wage
  • $85,249 Average annual wage for other private sector jobs
  • $11.8B Total wages and benefits
  • $5B+ Investment in 2021 in life-sciences companies
  • $38.8B Total economic impact
  • 1,377 Life sciences facilities across the state
  • 454 Life sciences companies in the city of Seattle
  • 86 Life sciences companies in the city of Bellevue

Big Number

39,814

The number of reported whales sighted in 2023 in Washington state and British Columbia. Whale-watching season began in May and runs through October.

Source: Pacific Whale Watch Association

Quote

“(W)e ask you to consider strengthening your commitment to PCC; earmark the largest percentage of your grocery budget for the co-op. make PCC the first stop on your grocery list.”

– PCC Community Markets CEO and President Krishnan Srinivasan in a recent update to members after calling 2024 a “pivotal” year for the Seattle-based co-op.

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