Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey’s Statement

October 2022 Employment Situation

Columbia, S.C. – “Wages have increased more than 2% month-over-month, rising from average hourly earnings of $28.45 per hour in September to $29.11 per hour in October. This is the highest average hourly wage in South Carolina’s history,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director Dan Ellzey. “At the same time, the employer survey shows employers are reporting a record number of payroll jobs at 2,247,000 for October. (2,307,838 jobs in the household survey.)”

“While ticking up from 3.2% in September, the unemployment rate is still historically low at 3.3%. According to the household survey, the number of individuals employed dropped by about 8,000. Some of this movement in employment could be due to people leaving contract or gig work and returning to payroll jobs,” stated Ellzey.

“The state is now entering the holiday hiring period. This is a hot time for stores and restaurants as they prepare for the holidays. In July, August, and September, the postings for temporary retail sales varied from the high 200s to the mid 300s. In October there were more than 500 job postings,” continued Ellzey. “This is a great time to add work experience to a resume, try a career path, and earn income for the holidays.”

“Don’t forget that there are more than 105,000 jobs across the state on SC Works Online Services. This includes jobs that are part of the rising average hourly earnings, where employers are willing to train on the job and offer long-term career paths,” said Ellzey. “If you need help connecting with these jobs in your area, contact an SC Works center. Representatives there work with local employers and can help you find a job.”