SOUTH CAROLINA (WCIV) — South Carolina’s healthcare sector continued to grow, over 4,000 people joined the labor force, and unemployment dropped slightly in May, according to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce’s May jobs report.
Highlights:
- Unemployment down to 4.1% from 4.2%
- 5,400 jobs added month-over-month
- Labor force increased by 4,400 people
The May 2025 Employment Situation showed job gains in most sectors save manufacturing and leisure and hospitality, which both dropped 100 employees each from April. Education and health services saw the biggest boost with an estimated 1,600 jobs added.
“Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in our state with many job opportunities for individuals at all levels of education from certificates to doctorates. There are many ways to enter the field and several prospects for growth and career pathways,” said SCDEW Executive Director William Floyd. “With the state’s growing population, this is an industry that will continue to have a high demand for workers in the coming years.”
READ MORE | “Trident Medical Center’s new $10 million unit increases access to traumatic injury care“
The Charleston and North Charleston area gained an estimated 1,600 jobs in May, a .2% increase over April, and 15,100 since May 2024, good for a 2.7% increase. Unemployment stayed at 3.1% for the area of Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, 0.1% down from this time last year. Charleston County itself had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.9%, the only county below 3%. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% to 4.1%, dropping below the national rate of 4.2%.
“Job gains this month were widespread with nearly all sectors showing year-over-year growth,” continued Floyd.
To view the full report, click here.