Washington Ranks Sixth for Jobs, Workers Most Stressed

Washington presents a mixed picture for businesses and workers: a study estimates that opening a storefront there costs an average of $148,325, making it the eighth-most-expensive state, while the state ranks sixth nationally as a place to find a job. The startup-cost analysis notes that its estimate does not include Washington’s business and occupation tax, which applies to gross receipts, and that local sales taxes add to the state rate. Washington construction employment grew by about 1% over the year, adding 1,500 jobs. The jobs ranking also found Washington workers among the most stressed; nationally, Nebraska ranked first, while Massachusetts placed 18th and New Hampshire was the only New England state in the top five.