South Carolina Adds 12,500 Jobs in September
With unemployment at 4 percent, job seekers in South Carolina are seeing new opportunities across key service sectors.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Employment
Live Poll
Is the local economic growth in your area improving your household's financial situation?
South Carolina added 12,500 jobs in September 2026, bringing the state unemployment rate to 4 percent. This growth reflects a broader trend of payroll employment expanding 2.3 percent over the past year.
Why it matters
The steady rise in state payroll employment signals active demand for labor, which is driven by consistent population growth. For residents, this typically influences local wage competition and access to employment opportunities across key service sectors.
South Carolina payroll employment grew by 12,500 jobs in September 2026, contributing to an annual growth rate of 2.3 percent. While the unemployment rate sits at 4 percent, the leisure and hospitality sector led gains with 5,700 new positions.
The players
South Carolina Department of Employment
The state agency responsible for tracking job growth and labor market metrics for South Carolina residents.
The details
Job gains were heavily concentrated in service-oriented industries, with leisure and hospitality, education and health services, and professional services adding a combined 12,900 roles. These increases more than offset losses in government, trade, and information sectors. This momentum is supported by 4,100 new participants entering the labor force over the last year as more people move to the state.
Timeline
September 2026 saw the addition of 12,500 jobs and a 4 percent unemployment rate.
Over the past 12 months, payroll employment grew by 2.3 percent.
Money Landscape
The September job report maintains the state's positive trajectory, building on an annual payroll growth rate of 2.3 percent. This sustained expansion suggests the regional labor market remains resilient relative to recent historical benchmarks.
A 4 percent unemployment rate and robust hiring in service sectors may indicate more available job opportunities for those currently seeking work. Households should monitor local wage trends in hospitality and health services as competition for labor often shifts local compensation packages.
The takeaway
The sustained growth in South Carolina payrolls highlights a labor market driven by ongoing population shifts. Residents should verify their specific sector's hiring trends to understand how these broader state-level changes might impact their own earning potential.
Further reading
For a deeper look at the regional workforce trends, see Employment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greenville Business Magazine.
Live Poll
Is the local economic growth in your area improving your household's financial situation?
