Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.5% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market rose by 3,803 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 90 bps to 4.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 6.2%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 168 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 70 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 4.4% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment March 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.1% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 55,400; +300
  • Transportation & Utilities: 49,400; +400
  • Business Services: 35,600; +800
  • Manufacturing: 32,900; +200
  • Government: 30,100; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 24,400; +800
  • Financial Services: 12,900; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 11,900; +100
  • Other Jobs: 8,200; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,600; no change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry March 2021

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

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.