Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd’s Statement

September 2023 Employment Situation

Columbia, S.C. – “With another record-breaking month of the number of people employed, South Carolina now has 2,389,899 people working, adding just over 91,000 to the total working population in this calendar year alone,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd. “The unemployment rate in September is down to 2.9% from August’s rate of 3.0%. That is nearly a full percentage point lower than the national unemployment rate of 3.8%. In addition, the labor force participation rate is holding steady at 57%.”

“These are very positive trends and speak to a thriving economy in South Carolina,” continued Floyd. “As people find employment after the Great Reshuffle, they are settling into long-term positions and movement between jobs has slowed. We see this data reflected in the decrease in the number of people quitting their jobs. Three months ago the quit rate was 3.3% and September’s rate is down to 2.9%.”

“In addition to the increased retention in jobs, the average hourly earnings for the state continue to climb to $30.07 for the month,” said Floyd. “Individuals entering the workforce or who want to improve their income can take advantage of scholarships, certifications, degrees, training, and more to advance their skills and careers. Whether through the SC Workforce Industry Needs (WINS) Scholarship available through the tech colleges, the recently announced affordability initiative offered by the University of South Carolina for families with limited income, or any of the other opportunities offered by the state’s colleges and universities, there are cost-effective ways to further your education, learn a new skill, advance your career, and increase your pay in South Carolina.”

“DEW representatives in the SC Works system have connections in their local areas and can help assess talents and direct individuals to the right training for their skills or connect people with employers who are ready to hire right now,” concluded Floyd.