Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.5% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market rose by 1,010 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.5%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 39 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is equal to the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 6.9% 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 February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.0% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 56,000; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 52,300; +200
  • Business Services: 37,200; +1,500
  • Manufacturing: 35,100; -200
  • Government: 32,200; +400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 29,800; +700
  • Financial Services: 13,800; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 12,300; +100
  • Other Jobs: 9,700; +100
  • IT & Development: 2,000; no change
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.