Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.4% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in May 2023.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market rose by 3,063 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 27 bps over the same time to 3.6%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 22 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 10 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 1.5% 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 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 56,400; +600
  • Transportation & Utilities: 52,300; +100
  • Business Services: 36,700; -400
  • Manufacturing: 35,100; no change
  • Government: 32,700; +500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 29,400; -300
  • Financial Services: 13,800; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 12,500; +200
  • Other Jobs: 9,800; +100
  • IT & Development: 1,900; -100
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry March 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2023 (Data published May 2023 and reports created on May 9,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.