Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.5% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market rose by 2,841 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 5.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 105 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 200 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 5.1% 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 February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 55,200; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 49,300; +100
  • Business Services: 34,800; +1,000
  • Manufacturing: 33,100; +300
  • Government: 29,900; +300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 23,500; -200
  • Financial Services: 12,900; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 11,800; no change
  • Other Jobs: 8,200; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,600; no change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.