Innovation Capacity
Workforce
Our legacy aerospace industry has made high value-added manufacturing a Snohomish County specialization. That means our workers are more productive, generating greater value for each hour worked, making our businesses better equipped to meet competitive challenges at home and abroad.
At the epicenter of much of the digital revolution, digital technology is embedded in our communities, schools and businesses. Even our farmers are ranked No. 1 in the nation as having the highest percentage of agribusiness Internet and computer use.
Source: The 2008 State New Economy Index, Benchmarking Economic Transformation in the States.
- In 2009, Forbes.com ranked Washington the ranked 2nd in the labor rank category - which reflects the quality of Washington schools and training programs, as well as the fact that Washington is a desirable place to live and work.
- Statewide, the Washington State labor force consistently ranks among the top five in the nation in terms of education, productivity and experience.
- Multicultural and multilingual opportunities abound for the workforce.
- Washington ranks 10th among all states for adults (25 and older) with a bachelors degree or more (U.S. Census Bureau).
Multilingual skills
A key strength of Snohomish County’s workforce is the abundance of multicultural and multilingual workers. Our region’s lifestyle, education and opportunities attract workers and students from across the globe. This means Snohomish County has the workforce to communicate effectively with international customers and clients.