Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd’s Statement

July 2023 Employment Situation

Columbia, S.C. – “South Carolina continues to set employment records as the number of people working in the state rises to 2,370,882, up 13,381 from June 2023. This is the ninth month in a row that the state has surpassed employment numbers from the prior month. It is also encouraging to see the labor force participation rate tick up again from 56.7% in June to 56.9% in July. Other great news for jobseekers is that average hourly earnings are at an all-time high of $29.59. All this while the unemployment rate holds steady at a low 3.1% for the fourth month in a row,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd.

“As school resumes this month, younger students, with the help of parents and educators, should begin thinking about their career paths, and older students should refine their career choices, especially knowing that the employment market is hot with many good-paying jobs,” according to Floyd. “DEW’s Regional Workforce Advisors (RWAs) are important local links in the school-to-work process, and they are busy training teachers; planning career fairs and onsite opportunities with local employers; connecting students with employers through business tours, classroom visits, internships, and training; and meeting with school leadership, teachers, guidance counselors, and other educators. It’s a great time for students and parents to learn more about the wide variety of excellent career opportunities offered by South Carolina’s employers.”