Washington Aerospace Partnership: Washington Statewide Aerospace Economic Impact Update
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce engaged CAI to prepare an Aerospace Economic Impacts Study to document the role of aerospace, and particularly Boeing, as a cornerstone of Washington’s economy. The study was designed to provide credible, data-driven evidence to support advocacy, policy development, and strategic investment at the state and regional levels.
The Aerospace Regional Workforce Impact
Community Attributes Inc. led a comprehensive aerospace economic impact and workforce analysis for partners including Aerospace Works for Washington and regional stakeholders. The study quantified statewide employment, wages, fiscal contributions, and supply chain dynamics to support data-driven economic development strategy for one of Washington’s most critical industries. This work builds on a longstanding partnership, as CAI has collaborated with the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber on several prior regional aerospace studies, providing continuity, institutional knowledge, and trusted analysis across time. The study provides a credible, data driven foundation to support advocacy, policy discussions, and long-term economic strategy.
CAI’s analysis confirmed that aerospace remains one of the most critical sectors in the state, providing high quality jobs, strong wages, and resilient economic activity during periods of change. Demand for new aircraft, shifting global markets, and the continued need for advanced manufacturing capacity underscore the ongoing importance of production in Washington.
The study evaluated industry employment, business revenues, wages, fiscal impacts, and community level spending. It also assessed broader economic effects through supply chains and household spending, demonstrating how aerospace activity supports businesses and jobs far beyond manufacturing alone.
In addition to quantitative modeling, CAI incorporated insights into workforce development, education pipelines, and community benefits. These findings highlighted the sector’s role in providing career pathways for young adults, transferable skills across industries, and meaningful investment in education and local nonprofits.
The final product equips the Chamber with a compelling narrative and trusted evidence base that reinforces the importance of sustaining a competitive environment for aerospace growth. The study supports informed decision making and strengthens the case for continued investment in the people, infrastructure, and policies that keep Washington a global leader in aerospace.
Click here to download full text of the report as a PDF
KEY FINDINGS:
- 82,000 aerospace jobs statewide, with Boeing driving more than 80% of employment and revenues
- $58.8 billion in industry revenues and more than $71 billion in total economic impact
- 194,000 total jobs supported across Washington, with a 2.5x employment multiplier
- High-quality jobs with average wages of $133,200 and total compensation averaging $214,000
- More than $580 million in annual state tax revenues, plus hundreds of millions in local community spending
If you have questions about this report, or would like to learn more about CAI’s talent pipeline model, and approach to economic impact and workforce analysis, please get in touch at 206-523-6683 or by email to info@communityattributes.com
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