If you’re considering a move to Bellingham, you may be wondering what work looks like here. The answer depends on your field, but knowing a little about the local economy can help you plan.
What Is the Job Market Like in Bellingham?
Bellingham has jobs in healthcare, education, government, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, and other services. Some residents work in the city, while others commute to jobs elsewhere in Whatcom County.
As of July 2026, Whatcom County had approximately 95,200 non farm jobs and an unemployment rate of 3.6%, according to the Washington State Employment Security Department. These are countywide figures, so they offer a broad picture rather than a measure of what you can expect in a particular field. If you’re planning a move, current openings and pay for your type of work will tell you much more.
Major Employers in Bellingham
Western Washington University and PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center are two of Bellingham’s most familiar employers. Western serves more than 14,650 students, while PeaceHealth St. Joseph is a hospital with 251 licensed beds that serves the surrounding region.
The Port of Bellingham supports work through Bellingham International Airport, its marine facilities, and waterfront properties. You’ll also find people working for smaller businesses throughout the city and county. Those jobs are an important part of daily life here, even if they don’t show up on a list of major employers.
Working Remotely or Commuting
Some people arrive in Bellingham with a remote job already in place. Others choose to live here and commute to work elsewhere in Whatcom County. Either way, it helps to think about what an ordinary workday will look like, not just what a location looks like on a map.
If you’ll be commuting, check the drive from the neighborhoods you’re considering at the time you would normally travel. If you work from home, you might put more weight on having a dedicated workspace and a location that makes it easy to get out and enjoy the area after work.
Planning Your Move Around Work
You don’t need to have every detail settled before you start exploring Bellingham. But if finding a local job is part of your move, it makes sense to look at openings in your field early. Once you know where you’ll work, choosing between Bellingham neighborhoods and nearby communities becomes easier.
We’re happy to help you find a home that fits both your workday and the life you want outside of it.
