South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) is a state agency dedicated to supporting economic growth and workforce development in South Carolina. Established to streamline employment services, manage unemployment insurance programs, and promote job training initiatives, DEW plays a vital role in connecting job seekers with employers and fostering a competitive labor market. Over the years, the department has evolved from its initial focus on unemployment insurance administration to become a comprehensive resource center for workforce development, offering various programs and services to enhance employment opportunities across the state. Its commitment to innovation and collaboration continually supports South Carolina’s economic prosperity.
News Summary
South Carolina’s labor market showed resilience in June, with nonfarm jobs increasing by 5,800, achieving a record employment total. The unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, while job growth was largely driven by the private sector, particularly in professional services and healthcare. The state’s labor force participation rate also improved, indicating rising engagement among job seekers. Regional job growth was led by Columbia, with ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing employment opportunities for residents.
Columbia, South Carolina – South Carolina’s labor market showcased resilience in June 2025, achieving a historic milestone with a record number of employed residents. The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) reported a gain of 5,800 nonfarm jobs throughout the month, boosting the total number of employed individuals in the state to 2,459,338. This figure signifies a robust job market that has consistently expanded over the year.
Despite the positive growth, the state’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.1%, mirroring the national rate. Additionally, the labor force experienced a nearly 5,900 person increase, bringing the total workforce to 2,565,289. This indicates a steady demand for labor and a healthy economy that continues to attract job seekers.
Private sector hiring played a significant role in this job growth in June, contributing approximately 5,500 jobs alone. Over the past year, the private sector has created an impressive 63,400 jobs, underscoring ongoing economic improvement. Moreover, government employment saw a moderate uptick of 300 positions during the same period.
Breaking down the sectors, professional and business services experienced the highest job gains, adding 2,100 new jobs in June. Education and health services also expanded, contributing an additional 800 jobs. The leisure and hospitality sector remained strong, with a gain of 1,400 jobs, reflecting the continued demand in this area.
The healthcare sector has been instrumental in driving the state’s private sector employment growth, accounting for more than 21% of the increase over the past year. Furthermore, the accommodation and food services sector reached a record high employment level of over 251,000 jobs, which highlights its importance in South Carolina’s economy.
Despite the overall positive trends, the number of unemployed individuals slightly rose to 105,951. This figure reflects typical seasonal fluctuations in employment, as many counties have shown a slight increase in unemployment rates compared to May 2025. The state’s labor force participation rate improved to 57.6%, indicating a growing engagement among residents in the search for employment.
Regionally, Columbia experienced the most significant job growth, adding 1,200 new jobs in June. Charleston-North Charleston followed with a gain of 800 new jobs, while Myrtle Beach contributed 700 new jobs. However, some areas such as Florence and the Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin region reported slight declines in job numbers.
Unemployment rates varied significantly by county, with Williamsburg County recording the highest rate at 7.8%. In contrast, Charleston County boasted the lowest rate at 3.6%, while York County’s unemployment rate remained stable at 4.4%. These disparities highlight the varying economic conditions across different regions of the state.
In light of these developments, the DEW is focusing on enhancing employment opportunities for residents across multiple sectors. Ongoing initiatives are being implemented to connect job seekers with potential employers, involving community outreach and youth employment programs. These efforts aim to ensure that individuals have the resources and support needed to thrive in South Carolina’s robust job market.
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Additional Resources
- WRHI: South Carolina Job Market Heats Up
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Economy
- SC Daily Gazette: Labor Unions Highlight Uneven Wage Job Growth
- Google Search: South Carolina job market
- Herald Online: Job Growth in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: South Carolina economy
- Upstate Business Journal: Blue Collar Job Boom
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Labor Market
- US News: Job Growth and Tech in Carolina Cities
- Google News: Job Growth in South Carolina
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
