Founded in 1998, Google is one of the largest tech employers in the world, with close to 300,000 employees, according to LinkedIn, and headquarters and campuses around the globe. Though the company got its start in Menlo Park, California, it quickly recognized Seattle’s potential and started hiring in the area in 2004. Now, 18 years later, the tech giant employs over 7,200 full-time employees in Washington, according to a new report.
The report also stated that Google helped create $32.88 billion worth of economic activity in the Evergreen State and its services have benefitted more than 465,000 businesses in the state.
According to reporting by GeekWire, the current 7,200 headcount is about 1,000 more employees than it had around this time last year. And two years ago, when the pandemic forced many tech companies to scale back, Google employed around 4,500 workers in Washington.
Operations in Washington are only second to those in the Bay Area. There are two local campuses here — one in Seattle and another in Kirkland. According to its corporate website, the Seattle area campuses contribute to most of Google’s products and offer scenic views of the surrounding area for workers and their furry friends.
Despite boasting an impressive workforce, Google is looking to make additional hires in the Seattle area. According to its website, there are nearly 900 open positions in the Seattle area. The majority of the roles are tech-related, but there are also openings for legal, marketing, design and finance roles.
Recently, Google also announced that it would be phasing in-office work for its employees after working largely remote for the better part of two years. Starting in early April, Google employees were required to adopt a hybrid work model that had employees working from the office three days a week.
On Wednesday, the tech giant also announced that it would be investing $9.5 billion in its U.S. offices and data centers this year. The investment covers spaces in 26 states, including Washington, and would create 40,000 full-time jobs.
