Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd’s Statement

January 2026 Employment Situation

Columbia, S.C. – Today’s publication of the January data is delayed due to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) having conducted its annual revision of national estimates. The BLS used the first quarter of this year to benchmark statistics, having revised or adjusted some data. Due to this benchmarking period, numbers for February 2026 will be released on April 22, while March and April numbers will be released respectively on May 6 and 22. The BLS’ full schedule of releases for the calendar year is available here.

"As of January 2026, South Carolina’s workforce grew to 2,516,227 individuals," stated South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd. “While we closely monitor unemployment trends (4.9% as of January), the state’s labor force, which includes those currently working and those unemployed looking for work, expanded again to a record-setting 2,646,507 during the month, a substantial increase of 62,659 people compared to the same time last year. Payroll also grew by approximately 5,400 jobs month-over-month with major increases in the Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Services, Government, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Construction sectors. With all of the new talent growing the labor force, there has never been a better time to access jobseeker services at SC Works centers or participate in job fairs statewide."

“It’s also an opportune time for employers to review and improve their hiring process, upskill employees, consider available federal tax incentives, and partner with our agency to connect them with their future workforce. Employer services offered by DEW through the SC Works system include personalized employer plans, which include everything from training options to networking with eligible jobseekers on the company’s behalf, the STAYS program so employers can make a concentrated effort in hiring veterans and military spouses, obtaining Federal Bonding and Work Opportunity Tax Credits, and participating in the hundreds of job fairs that occur every month throughout South Carolina, including our most rural areas. We welcome all businesses – regardless of size, location, or industry – to connect with our agency so we can help them find their next hires,” concluded Floyd.