Workforce Pell eligible occupations (high demand, high wage occupations)

Report data updated: 09/14/2026. Download the Workforce Pell eligibility list (PDF)

Employment Security's Workforce Pell eligibility list is a compilation of occupations that are considered high demand and high wage.

• High demand is based on projected occupational job growth.
• High wage filters the demand list by occupations that meet or exceed a wage threshold of $20.46; a figure that is based on a weighted average of self-sufficiency wages across Washington state as defined by the UW Self Sufficiency Calculator.

An occupation is above the threshold if the first quartile (25th percentile) of its wage distribution is above the self-sufficiency wage.

SOC stands for Standard Occupational Classification. Federal statistical agencies use this system to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, or disseminating data.

Source: Occupations in demand list. Washington State Employment Security Department in partnership with Washington's 12 Local Workforce Development Boards.

Learn more about Washington state's labor market information at https://esd.wa.gov/jobs-and-training/labor-market-information (opens in new window).

Requests for new degree or certificate programs must first be approved locally by the institution through its established approval process before being submitted through this process. Colleges then complete the required questions describing all aspects of the proposed program and upload the necessary supporting documentation. The college Vice President of Instruction (VPI) reviews and approves all submitted requests. Once approved by the VPI, the application materials will be reviewed by SBCTC staff to determine the next steps in the program approval process

Requests to modify an existing degree or certificate program are initiated through this process. Colleges must complete the required questions, describe the proposed modifications, and upload all necessary supporting documentation. The college Vice President of Instruction (VPI) reviews and approves all submitted requests. Once approved by the VPI, the application materials will be reviewed by SBCTC staff to determine the next steps in the approval process.

Changes to a program’s title, number of credits, CIP code, or other significant program components must be approved by the State Board before the changes can take effect. A new program approval request is required when a proposed curriculum modification exceeds 50% of the existing curriculum or when the degree or certificate type changes (e.g., C20 to C45). Changes to program type for professional-technical programs must also be submitted through this process.

Requests to add or remove a last admit term or to inactivate an existing degree or certificate program are initiated through this process. Colleges complete the required questions on the form, and the college Vice President of Instruction (VPI) reviews and approves all submitted requests. Once approved by the VPI, the application materials will be reviewed by SBCTC staff to determine the next steps in the approval process.

Approved programs with a last admit term remain on the college’s program inventory for up to three years, unless the teach-out process is completed sooner. If the program is not reinstated to active status within the three-year period, it will be removed from the college’s inventory. A college may reinstate a program to active status by removing the last admit term, provided the request is made within the three-year period.

Colleges may also determine that a program should be permanently inactivated without a teach-out period. Once a program is inactivated, reinstating it to active status requires submission of a new program approval request.