Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.5% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market rose by 1,872 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 3.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 76 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 290 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 8.6% 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 October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 55,300; +500
  • Transportation & Utilities: 49,800; +800
  • Business Services: 38,200; +1,600
  • Manufacturing: 33,600; no change
  • Government: 31,100; +500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 26,800; +600
  • Financial Services: 13,100; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 11,800; -100
  • Other Jobs: 8,400; +100
  • IT & Development: 1,600; no change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry October 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on December 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.