Tygart Media

Category: Mason County Jobs

Employment landscape, major employers, workforce development

  • Mason County Jobs and Employers: Economic Guide

    Mason County’s economy is diverse, with opportunities in healthcare, government, timber, shellfish aquaculture, tribal enterprises, and increasingly, remote work. This guide covers major employers, the job market, commuting options, and economic trends in the county.

    Major Employers in Mason County

    Mason Health (Healthcare)

    Mason Health is the county’s largest employer, operating a hospital in Shelton and clinics throughout the county. The organization employs nurses, physicians, specialists, technicians, administrative staff, and support workers.

    Employment opportunities: Clinical positions (nurses, doctors, therapists), technical positions (radiologic technologists, lab technicians), administrative and billing roles.

    Typical salary range: Entry-level healthcare (CNA, clerical): $28,000-$35,000; RN: $65,000-$85,000; Physicians: $150,000+

    Mason County Government (Public Sector)

    County government, city governments, school districts, and other public agencies employ thousands of people in administration, teaching, law enforcement, public works, planning, and more.

    Largest public employers:

    • Shelton School District (teachers, administrators, support staff)
    • Mason County Sheriff and municipal police departments
    • County departments (planning, public works, health)
    • City governments (Shelton, Olympia regional)

    Typical salary range: Varies widely. Teachers: $45,000-$65,000; Police: $55,000-$75,000; Administrative: $35,000-$55,000

    Timber and Forest Products

    Historically, timber was Mason County’s dominant industry. While harvesting has declined, timber-related jobs remain significant. This includes logging companies, mills, forestry contractors, and equipment operators.

    Employment opportunities: Loggers, equipment operators, mill workers, truck drivers, forestry technicians.

    Typical salary range: Depends on skill and experience. Equipment operators: $50,000-$70,000; Loggers (contract/seasonal): $40,000-$60,000

    Note: Timber industry jobs are often seasonal and may require extensive commuting to harvest areas. Environmental regulations increasingly shape job availability.

    Taylor Shellfish Farms (Aquaculture)

    Taylor Shellfish is one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest oyster and shellfish producers. The company operates extensive aquaculture farms in Hood Canal and employs farm workers, technicians, management, and administrative staff.

    Employment opportunities: Farm workers, equipment operators, technicians, administrative roles, management.

    Typical salary range: Farm worker: $30,000-$40,000; Technician: $40,000-$55,000; Management: $55,000-$80,000

    Seasonality: Some positions are seasonal, especially harvest and processing.

    Tribal Enterprises

    The Skokomish Tribe operates tribal government, businesses, and enterprises that employ tribal members and non-members. These include forestry operations, gaming (Skokomish Tribe casino), utilities, and service industries.

    Employment opportunities: Varied, from tribal administration to gaming and hospitality.

    Small Business and Retail

    Shelton and other communities have hundreds of small businesses: retail stores, restaurants, service providers, trades, and professional services.

    Employment opportunities: Retail, food service, construction trades, real estate, accounting, legal services, contracting.

    Typical salary range: Varies widely. Entry-level retail/food service: $28,000-$35,000; Skilled trades: $50,000-$80,000

    Job Market Trends

    Healthcare is Growing

    Mason Health is expanding services and hiring. An aging population and healthcare demands create steady opportunities in nursing, physical therapy, mental health, and related fields.

    Timber and Forest Products Are Declining

    Timber employment has shrunk over decades due to automation, automation, and environmental regulations. Opportunities exist but are fewer than historically.

    Aquaculture is Stable

    Shellfish farming is sustainable and provides stable employment. Hood Canal’s natural advantages make this a permanent part of the local economy.

    Remote Work is Growing

    More people work remotely from Mason County while earning salaries for jobs based in Seattle, Olympia, or beyond. This is especially true for tech, marketing, consulting, and creative fields. High-speed internet (where available) makes this possible.

    Trade Shortage

    Like much of the U.S., there’s a shortage of skilled trades (electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, carpenters). Wages are rising for these positions, and opportunities are plentiful.

    Salaries and Cost of Living

    Median household income (Mason County): Approximately $60,000-$65,000

    Average home price (Shelton area): $350,000-$450,000 (varies with location and year)

    Cost of living: Slightly lower than Seattle/Puget Sound average but higher than rural eastern Washington.

    Tax climate: No state income tax (Washington). Property taxes are moderate. Sales tax approximately 8.5%.

    Job Search Resources

    Online Job Boards

    • Indeed.com (nationwide, search “Mason County WA”)
    • LinkedIn Jobs (LinkedIn.com/jobs)
    • Washington State Department of Labor (wa.gov/des)
    • FlexJobs (for remote work)
    • Craigslist (Shelton/Seattle sections)

    Local Resources

    • Shelton Chamber of Commerce: Directory of local businesses and employment contacts
    • WorkForce Central (Olympia): Regional workforce development agency with job listings and training programs
    • Mason County Economic Development Council: Business resources and development information
    • Local newspapers: Classified ads and business news in Shelton-Mason County Journal

    Commuting to Nearby Job Centers

    Olympia

    Distance: 30 minutes south

    Major employers: Washington State Government (thousands of jobs), Thurston County, colleges, healthcare, military (Fort Lewis/JBLM nearby)

    Commute: I-5 south from Shelton is relatively straightforward

    Reality check: Regular commuting to Olympia is doable but adds 1-2 hours to your daily travel time. Many people who work in Olympia choose to live in Shelton and commute.

    Tacoma/Puget Sound Region

    Distance: 1-1.5 hours west/northwest

    Major employers: Boeing, Port of Tacoma, Procter and Gamble, healthcare, tech companies

    Reality check: Doable for occasional work but not practical for daily commuting.

    Seattle

    Distance: 1.5-2 hours north

    Major employers: Tech companies (Amazon, Microsoft, Google), healthcare, finance

    Reality check: Not practical for daily commuting. However, remote work for Seattle companies is increasingly common.

    Remote Work Opportunities

    Many Mason County residents work remotely for companies based in Seattle, Olympia, California, or across the U.S. Benefits include:

    • Saving commute time and costs
    • Accessing higher salaries (especially tech and professional roles)
    • Flexibility to live in Mason County while earning Seattle-level pay

    Requirements for remote work:

    • Reliable high-speed internet (at least 50 Mbps download)
    • Suitable home office space
    • Professional communication setup

    Internet availability: High-speed broadband is available in Shelton and urban areas but patchy in rural Mason County. Check availability before relocating.

    Workforce Development and Training

    Community Colleges

    South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC, Olympia): 20 minutes south. Offers healthcare, trades, business, and transfer programs. Many students commute from Mason County.

    Evergreen State College (Olympia): Public university focused on interdisciplinary education and environmental studies.

    Apprenticeships

    Washington State has strong apprenticeship programs in trades (electrician, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry). These combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Contact the Washington State Department of Labor or local trade unions.

    WorkForce Central

    This regional workforce development agency (covering Thurston/Mason counties) provides:

    • Job search and resume assistance
    • Training program funding
    • Career counseling
    • Business services

    Starting a Business

    If you’re interested in starting a business in Mason County:

    • Shelton Chamber of Commerce: Networking and business support
    • SCORE (Olympia): Free mentoring from experienced business people
    • Small Business Administration (SBA): Loans, training, and resources for startups
    • Mason County Economic Development Council: Business development and incentives

    Business environment: Lower costs than urban areas, supportive community, but smaller customer base. Best for trades, professional services, tourism, and remote-based businesses.

    Economic Development Trends

    Mason County is focusing on:

    • Broadband expansion: County-wide high-speed internet to enable remote work
    • Diversification: Moving beyond timber toward healthcare, aquaculture, tourism, and tech
    • Outdoor recreation: Hiking, fishing, and tourism economy growth
    • Clean energy: Potential opportunities in renewable energy and climate adaptation
    What is the largest employer in Mason County?

    Mason Health (the county hospital system) is Mason County’s largest employer, operating a hospital in Shelton and clinics throughout the county. Other major employers include county and city governments, school districts, and forest-related industries.

    What is the median salary in Mason County?

    The median household income in Mason County is approximately $60,000-$65,000. Salaries vary by industry—healthcare and government typically pay $45,000-$85,000+; skilled trades $50,000-$80,000; remote tech jobs often exceed $80,000.

    Can I commute to Olympia from Mason County?

    Yes, Olympia is about 30 minutes south of Shelton. Many Mason County residents work in Olympia (state government, healthcare, education). However, daily commuting adds 1-2 hours of travel time to your day.

    Is remote work common in Mason County?

    Yes, increasing numbers of Mason County residents work remotely for companies in Seattle and beyond, especially in tech, marketing, consulting, and creative fields. Reliable high-speed internet is required, which is available in Shelton but patchy in rural areas.

    What job training programs are available?

    South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in Olympia (20 minutes south) offers healthcare, trades, and business programs. Washington State apprenticeships in trades are available through the Department of Labor. WorkForce Central (Thurston/Mason) provides job search, training funding, and career counseling.

  • 17 New Jobs Coming to Shelton: What the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Expansion Means for Mason County Workers

    When a company commits to creating 17 new permanent jobs in Mason County, that’s not a press release talking point — it’s a condition of the $1.75 million in state financing that made the expansion possible. Olympic Mountain Ice Cream’s move to the Port of Shelton comes with an obligation to grow, and that growth translates to real positions available to local workers over the next five years.

    Here’s what Mason County job seekers should know.

    The Commitment: 17 Jobs Over Five Years

    The Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board loan that financed the Port of Shelton’s warehouse renovation is structured around job creation. The Port of Shelton received $1.75 million in low-interest CERB funding and leased the improved 11,500-square-foot facility to Olympic Mountain Ice Cream. In exchange, the company has committed to creating 17 new permanent positions over the course of five years.

    This is not speculative — it’s written into the deal structure. CERB loans are tied to employment outcomes, and projects are tracked against their commitments. For Mason County workers, the 17-job projection represents a floor, not a ceiling. A company that doubles in size often ends up hiring more than initially projected.

    What Kind of Jobs Are These?

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream is a food manufacturing operation — artisan ice cream, gelato, and sorbet production at commercial scale. They currently employ 18 people and produce more than 50,000 gallons annually. The kinds of positions a food manufacturer of this size typically adds during a capacity expansion include:

    • Production and line workers — hands-on manufacturing roles that generally don’t require specialized credentials
    • Quality control and food safety positions — often require food handler certification, which can be obtained locally
    • Packaging, shipping, and logistics roles — as wholesale volume grows with new capacity
    • Retail and customer-facing staff — the new Port of Shelton location includes a public-facing retail storefront
    • Operations and supervisory positions — as the team scales, management layers tend to grow too

    Food manufacturing is one of the more accessible paths into stable employment for workers without four-year degrees. Many production roles offer on-the-job training, and artisan food companies — particularly family-owned operations like Olympic Mountain — often prioritize cultural fit and work ethic over specialized credentials.

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream: A 40-Year Family Business

    The company has been operating under the same family ownership for more than 40 years, with roots in the Skokomish Valley at the base of the Olympic Mountain foothills. That tenure and stability matters for job seekers: a company that has sustained itself through multiple economic cycles and continued investing in its Mason County operations is a different kind of employer than a short-term tenant with an exit strategy.

    The move to the Port of Shelton represents a commitment to staying and growing here, not a stepping stone to relocating elsewhere in the Puget Sound market.

    How to Stay Informed About Openings

    As of April 2026, Olympic Mountain Ice Cream is in the process of completing its move to the new facility. Job postings will likely appear on the company’s website at olympicmountainicecream.com and on their Facebook page as the expansion ramps up. The Mason County Economic Development Council at masonedc.org also tracks local employment opportunities.

    WorkSource Southwest Washington (the state’s employment services office) is another resource for Mason County job seekers monitoring local manufacturing openings.

    For the full context on this expansion and what it means for Mason County: Olympic Mountain Ice Cream Opens New Port of Shelton Facility — Full Coverage

    Also relevant: SR-3 Belfair Bypass — the North Mason construction project that will create hundreds of construction jobs 2027-2029

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many jobs will the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream expansion create in Mason County?

    The expansion is projected to create 17 new permanent jobs over five years, bringing the company’s total workforce from 18 to approximately 35 positions. The jobs are based at the new Port of Shelton facility at 130 West Corporate Drive in Shelton.

    What kind of work experience or education do you need to work at Olympic Mountain Ice Cream?

    Olympic Mountain Ice Cream is a food manufacturing company. Most production roles require a food handler permit (available through the Mason County Public Health Department) and physical stamina for production work. The company values reliability and work ethic. Retail and customer service positions for the new storefront require customer-facing experience. Supervisory and quality control roles may require relevant certifications.

    When will Olympic Mountain Ice Cream start hiring for the new Port of Shelton location?

    Hiring timelines haven’t been publicly announced as of April 2026. The facility move was targeting a March 2026 transition. Monitor the company’s website at olympicmountainicecream.com and their Facebook page for job postings as the expansion ramps up.

    Is the Olympic Mountain Ice Cream retail store open to the public?

    The new Port of Shelton facility includes a retail storefront that will be open to the public — a new feature the previous Skokomish Valley location did not prominently offer. Check their website for confirmed hours and opening information.