Employment and Workforce Acting Executive Director William Floyd’s Statement

January 2023 Employment Situation

Columbia, S.C. – “South Carolina’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.2% in January from December’s rate of 3.3%, continuing the steady trend of low unemployment from 2022, and average hourly wages are up to a record high of $29.15. What a strong way to start the 2023 year,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Acting Executive Director William Floyd.

“The number of individuals working in South Carolina grew by nearly 4,500 people, and the state’s payroll jobs jumped by nearly 9,000 since December 2022. In particular, healthcare is booming, having exceeded pre-pandemic numbers by more than 9,500 jobs. Healthcare is one of many industries in the state that have in-demand jobs, career paths, training and upskilling opportunities, and stability for years to come,” said Floyd.

“Good jobs are abundant in the state and our agency is the hub for jobseekers and employers. DEW’s employment and workforce programs, as well as our partnership in the SC Works system, are key to connecting people and jobs,” continued Floyd. “These include services that are as broad as job fairs, hiring events, employment workshops, and labor market information to more personalized services, such as skills assessment and training referrals, resume and job search assistance, individual employer plans, assistance posting a job or resume in the SC Works Online Services database, and customized hiring opportunities.”

“South Carolina is a great place to do business and more good jobs are available than ever before, offering even more opportunities for strong, profitable careers. I am thrilled to be part of this agency at such an important time,” said Floyd.

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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, job seekers and those looking to advance their careers.