Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market declined by 260 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 4.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 99 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 240 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 9.7% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 55,100; +700
  • Transportation & Utilities: 48,900; -900
  • Business Services: 36,800; +300
  • Manufacturing: 33,400; +100
  • Government: 27,700; +1,800
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 27,500; +300
  • Financial Services: 13,200; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 11,900; no change
  • Other Jobs: 8,300; -100
  • IT & Development: 1,600; no change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.