South Carolina Adds 12,500 Jobs in September

The state unemployment rate settled at 4 percent as payroll employment saw broad growth.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Employment

Isometric editorial illustration showing a construction hard-hat and a service-industry apron, representing diverse labor market growth in South Carolina. — South Carolina added 12,500 payroll jobs in September 2026 as the state unemployment rate held steady at 4 percent. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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South Carolina added 12,500 payroll jobs in September 2026, while the state unemployment rate reached 4 percent. This growth was driven by consistent population increases across the state.

Why it matters

The steady growth in payroll employment reflects the state's ongoing population boom, which continues to drive demand for labor across multiple key industries. Job gains in leisure and hospitality remain a primary engine for local economic activity.

State payroll employment grew by 2.3 percent over the last 12 months, supported by 55,200 total jobs added. September gains were led by 5,700 positions in leisure and hospitality and 4,300 in education and health services.

The details

Gains were partially offset by losses in the government sector, which shed 1,900 jobs, alongside trade, transportation, and utilities, which lost 800 positions. Information services also experienced a minor decline of 400 jobs.

September 2026 saw the addition of 12,500 jobs and an unemployment rate of 4 percent.
Over the past 12 months, state payroll employment increased by 2.3 percent.

Macro View

This employment growth follows the post-pandemic regional labor migration trend of increased demand for service jobs in southern states. The current data reflects a period of sustained economic expansion that mirrors recent historical cycles in the region.

The increase in available jobs may signal broader hiring opportunities for residents across the leisure and health sectors. Conversely, the shifting sector demands could lead to localized competition for roles in trade and information services.

The takeaway

Robust job growth driven by population density suggests the state remains a magnet for new residents and investment. Readers should monitor sector-specific growth trends to better understand potential shifts in the local hiring landscape.