Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2022.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market declined by 3,738 jobs in August and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate stayed flat over the same time period at 3.8%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 1 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 90 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 4.2% 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 August 2022

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

  • Education & Healthcare: 58,300; +400
  • Transportation & Utilities: 50,900; -500
  • Manufacturing: 34,500; -200
  • Business Services: 33,700; -100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 29,000; -100
  • Government: 28,700; +2,000
  • Financial Services: 13,700; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 12,300; +100
  • Other Jobs: 9,000; -100
  • IT & Development: 1,800; +100
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry August 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2022 (Data published September 2022 and reports created on September 28, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.