The number of individuals working across the state increased substantially, by an estimated 7,142 people,  marking a new record level of 2,242,540 for the Palmetto State.

Unemployment estimates showed little change over the month, increasing by 377 to 77,087 people. The state’s labor force rose by 7,519 to 2,319,627 people, as the bulk of jobseekers entering the labor force found jobs.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.3 percent.

Since December of 2017, employment gains totaled approximately 21,695 people, and the labor force estimate was basically flat, rising by 903 people. The level of unemployed moved significantly lower by roughly 20,792 people.

Nationally, the unemployment rate increased to 3.9 percent from November’s estimate of 3.7 percent.

Nonagricultural Employment by Industry (Seasonally Adjusted, 1)

In December 2018, seasonally adjusted, nonfarm payrolls increased by 10,800 over the month to a record high level of 2,151,200.

• The increase was influenced by rising employment levels in Leisure and Hospitality (+5,200). Professional and Business Services (+3,100); Trade Transportation, and Utilities (+1,500); and Manufacturing (+1,100) also reported notable increases. Additional increases were seen in Education and Health Services (+600); Information (+300); Government (+200); and Other Services (+100).
• Industries reporting declines were Construction (-700) and Financial Activities (-600).

From December 2017 to December 2018, South Carolina’s economy has added 41,200 seasonally adjusted, nonfarm jobs.

• Industries with noticeable gains were Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+15,700); Leisure and Hospitality (+9,300); Professional and Business Services (+8,100); Education and Health Services (+6,100); Manufacturing (+3,900); Government (+3,000); and Financial Activities (+500).
• Reporting decreases were Construction (-5,100); Other Services (-500); and Information (-100).

Nonagricultural Employment by Industry (Not Seasonally Adjusted, 2)

Not seasonally adjusted, nonfarm payroll employment increased by 7,900 from November 2018 to December 2018 for a total of 2,157,700. The state’s economic growth has remained strong and stable.

• Industries contributing to the increase are: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+3,600); Leisure and Hospitality (+2,500); Professional and Business Services (+1,900); Manufacturing (+1,400); Information (+500); and Other Services (+300). Mining and Logging, as well as Education and Health Services employment, showed no change.
• Industries reporting decreases during the month were Financial Activities (-1,200); Government (-700); and Construction (-400).
• Since December 2017, not seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs were up 43,200 in South Carolina.
• Industries marking strong annual gains were Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+16,400); Leisure and Hospitality (+10,100); Professional and Business Services (+8,700); Education and Health Services (+5,900); Manufacturing (+4,000); Government (+3,100); Financial Activities (+400); and Mining and Logging (+300).
• The industries reporting declines were Construction (-5,000); Other Services (-600); and Information (-100).

View the December 2018 Tables and Data for Nonfarm Employment (PDF). 

About the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency has four missions: (1) workforce development; (2) free job match employment services; (3) unemployment insurance; and (4) labor market information. All four missions contribute to workforce development. The agency is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services and programs that meet the needs of our businesses, jobseekers and those looking to advance their careers.