Washington’s life sciences industry has outpaced national life science and state private-sector job growth for the fifth consecutive year, extending its position as one of the top 10 life science clusters in the United States.
According to the 2026 Economic Impact Report, life-science jobs in Washington increased more than 50% between 2014 and 2024 and served as a buffer against employment downturns during the last three recessions. This momentum reflects the diversity of the state’s ecosystem, spanning world-class research institutions, an expanding base of biotech companies, as well as pharmaceutical and medical-device companies with manufacturing operations, according to a news release from Life Sciences Washington, which has more than 500 members.