Labor Force
The Piedmont Triad labor force has grown steadily over the years. In 2005, over 800,000 workers comprised the area’s labor pool. New or expanding businesses have little trouble meeting their staffing needs due to the availability of experienced managers, computer professionals, secretaries, machine operators, assemblers, mechanics and general laborers. Each year approximately 2,500 high school graduates enter the work force; while an estimated 2,000 others seek work for the first time. Over half of Winston-Salem’s adult population has attended college.
Because of the Triad’s excellent highway system, commuting is very prevalent. In fact, in 2000, over 49,000 workers commuted into Forsyth County every day. Some employers attract workers from as far away as Southern Virginia. The local Employment Security Commission office in Winston-Salem routinely has active listings for 18,000-20,000 job seekers within a 25-mile radius of the city.
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Unions
Training
Unemployment Compensation
Wage Information
Job Applicants by Classification
Forsyth County Work Force Demographics
Unions
North Carolina is a right-to-work state, and management/labor relations are very good. The Triad has low union participation, resulting in very little lost time due to union-related work stoppages. Unemployment taxes, general hourly wages, salaries and workers’ compensation rates often represent a substantial savings when compared to those of other areas.
Training
North Carolina is dedicated to providing the finest technical and vocational programs in the country. Employers in North Carolina are fortunate to be able to tap into the resources of one of the largest and strongest state-supported community college systems in the nation. Customized packages are developed through the state’s industrial training program in conjunction with the employer and Forsyth Technical Community College. The programs are generally offered at little or no cost to the employer.
Unemployment Compensation
A general business employer with at least one worker in 20 different calendar weeks during a calendar year, or with a payroll of at least $1,500 in any calendar quarter, is liable for unemployment tax. The 2005 taxable wage base is $16,700, with a standard beginning tax rate of 1.2%.
Classification |
Average Entry ($hr) |
Average Experienced ($hr) |
Regional Average |
Computer Programmers |
$18.74 |
$33.75 |
$28.75 |
Computer Support Specialists |
$14.23 |
$22.53 |
$19.76 |
Database Administrators |
$17.55 |
$35.90 |
$29.78 |
Electrical Engineer |
$19.83 |
$30.14 |
$26.70 |
Computer Support Specialists |
$14.23 |
$22.53 |
$19.76 |
Machinists |
$9.56 |
$17.22 |
$14.66 |
Assembler |
$9.50 |
$15.09 |
$13.23 |
Production Occupations |
$8.42 |
$19.10 |
$15.54 |
Employment Security Commission January, 2006
Job Applicants by Classification
Forsyth County |
Greensboro-High Point-Winston-Salem MSA |
|
Professional/Technical/Management |
2138 |
8304 |
Clerical & Sales |
2674 |
10797 |
Service |
2039 |
6982 |
Processing |
210 |
1369 |
Machine Trades |
514 |
4201 |
Benchwork |
454 |
3545 |
Structural Work |
722 |
3703 |
Miscellaneous |
1619 |
7197 |
Total |
10370 |
46,098 |
Forsyth County Work Force Demographics
| Median age of population (US Census) | 36.6 |
| %high school graduates, person 25 and over | 82% |
| %with bachelor’s degree or higher | 29% |
| SAT score, system average, 2003 | 1005 |
| %High school graduates continuing education (avg.) | 75% |
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