Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.5% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which lost 1,300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market rose by 2,443 jobs in July and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 4.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 43 bps over the same time to 5.7%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 116 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 460 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in July versus prior month by 7.4% 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 July 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.2%. Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 54,300; -1,300
  • Transportation & Utilities: 49,800; -100
  • Business Services: 36,800; +800
  • Manufacturing: 33,300; +100
  • Government: 29,000; -800
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 27,600; +800
  • Financial Services: 13,200; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 11,900; -200
  • Other Jobs: 8,400; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,600; no change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry July 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through July 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 1, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.