Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Winston-Salem, NC market rose by 1,562 jobs in October and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Winston-Salem, NC unemployment rate is 40 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 30 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 7% 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 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 60,400; +1,000
  • Transportation & Utilities: 51,300; +400
  • Business Services: 34,900; +1,500
  • Manufacturing: 34,700; +300
  • Government: 30,700; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 29,200; +800
  • Financial Services: 13,700; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 12,500; +100
Winston-Salem, NC Unemployment by Industry October 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2022 (Data published December 2022 and reports created on December 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.