Workforce Availability
For current information please visit the SC DEW Website.
Workforce
| Year | Greenville County | Greenville MSA * |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Annual Average | 255,984 | 434,168 |
| 2019 Annual Average | 255,462 | 433,550 |
| 2018 Annual Average | 248,725 | 424,424 |
| 2017 Annual Average | 247,585 | 423,995 |
| 2016 Annual Average | 245,768 | 422,187 |
Source: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
* Greenville MSA = Greenville, Anderson, Laurens and Pickens Counties
Employed
| Year | Greenville County | Greenville MSA * |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Annual Average | 241,371 | 409,041 |
| 2019 Annual Average | 249,454 | 422,754 |
| 2018 Annual Average | 241,431 | 411,248 |
| 2017 Annual Average | 238,524 | 407,757 |
| 2016 Annual Average | 235,675 | 403,858 |
Source: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
* Greenville MSA = Greenville, Anderson, Laurens and Pickens Counties
Unemployed
| Year | Greenville County | Greenville MSA * |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Annual Average (Unemployment Rate) | 14,613 (5.7%) | 25,127 (5.8%) |
| 2019 Annual Average (Unemployment Rate) | 6,008 (2.4%) | 10,796 (2.5%) |
| 2018 Annual Average (Unemployment Rate) | 7,294 (2.9%) | 13,176 (3.1%) |
| 2017 Annual Average (Unemployment Rate) | 9,061 (3.7%) | 16,238 (3.8%) |
| 2016 Annual Average (Unemployment Rate) | 10,093 (4.1%) | 18,329 (4.3%) |
Source: South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce
* Greenville MSA = Greenville, Anderson, Laurens and Pickens Counties
Expanded Labor Pool (Potential Employees)
| Source | Potential Employees |
|---|---|
| Workers Commuting Out of Greenville County (2019) | 62,068 |
| Upstate SC High School Graduates (2021) | 13,462 |
| Total Degree Awarded by Upstate Colleges and Universities (2019-2020) | 21,369 |
| Students Enrollment in Upstate Colleges and Universities (Fall 2020) | 88,675 |
| Total Potential Employees | 185,574 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Center for Economic Studies, LEHD 2019; SC Department of Education; SC Commission on Higher Education; Greenville Area Development Corporation
Commuting Patterns
2019 data showed that over 62,000 Greenville County residents commuted to jobs outside Greenville County. Experience shows that workers in this group would take comparable jobs closer to home if given the opportunity.
Persons Reaching Employment Age (High School Graduates)
One of the largest groups of potential employees is considered to be those turning 18 each year in the Upstate. Over 13,000 students graduated from Upstate high schools in 2021.
College and Tech Graduates
Upstate South Carolina four-year Colleges and Universities produce approximately 14,500 graduates each year. Technical Colleges and two-year colleges produced another 6,700 graduates.
College Students
Those attending colleges in the Upstate account for an enrollment over 88,600. These students are potential interns, co-op partners, as well as part-time and seasonal employees. This pool of talent provides companies a low-cost alternative for high quality white-collar support positions. Research shows that a majority of these graduates will remain in the area after graduation.
Other Considerations:
PERSONS WHO WOULD CONSIDER RE-ENTERING WORK FORCE
A 2009 Pathfinders Report estimates that 9,400 individuals in the Greenville MSA, who are not currently employed or actively seeking work, would consider re-entering the workforce. This group is mostly female (75 percent), generally well-educated and fully capable of entering the workforce, given sufficient opportunity and motivation.
THE UNDER-EMPLOYED
The under-employed represent a large sector of potential employees. These employees work 40 hours per week in jobs in which they are overqualified. As a group, they have a strong work ethic and are among the first to respond to more rewarding job opportunities. In 2009, Pathfinders reported the skills of 81,800 underemployed persons in the Greenville MSA.
Skills of 81,800 Underemployed for the Greenville MSA
| Skills | Number with Skills |
|---|---|
| Office Operations | 49,900 |
| Medical / Health Services | 13,900 |
| Warehouse / Materials Handling | 45,800 |
| Manufacturing / Assembly / Fabrication | 46,600 |
| Information Technology | 36,000 |
| Technician / Quality Assurance | 23,700 |
| Maintenance / Installation / Repair | 31,100 |
| Electronics / Engineering | 18,000 |
Note: Individuals could report multiple skill sets.
Source: Pathfinders Independent Study, September 2009
- Those willing to upgrade to New Job for $12.00/hour: 13,600
- Those willing to upgrade to New Job for $16.00/hour: 37,300
Source: Pathfinders Independent Study, September 2009
Would you like more information about Greenville’s work force?
Please contact GADC for more information about our work force, or learn more about the business climate in Greenville.
