Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market rose by 4,255 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 3.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 96 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 340 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 8.1% 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 54,600; -700
  • Transportation & Utilities: 49,300; +400
  • Business Services: 37,000; -100
  • Manufacturing: 33,700; +300
  • Government: 30,600; +2,900
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 26,500; -800
  • Financial Services: 13,100; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 11,900; -100
  • Other Jobs: 8,300; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,600; no change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.