The Charleston region has experienced significant growth in its labor force, with an increase of nearly 67,000 people since 2018, representing an 18% rise. Employment numbers have also climbed by more than 61,000 during the same period. At the end of 2024, the area’s unemployment rate stood at 3.5%, remaining below both the national average of 4.1% and South Carolina’s statewide rate of 4.7%. This trend highlights ongoing competition for talent as businesses expand across the region.
According to projections from the Chamber’s 2024/2025 Forecast, the labor force is expected to grow by about 2.0% in 2025, with employment increasing by approximately 1.9%. These trends suggest that hiring and retention will continue to be key concerns for employers planning for future growth.
To help local businesses respond to these workforce dynamics, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce has developed several resources. The Talent Demand Study 2024 identifies careers likely to see the most job growth by 2028, providing guidance on where demand is headed. The Regional College & Career Guide 2024–2025 connects students and educators with opportunities in high-demand industries throughout the region. In addition, a new edition of the Compensation & Benefits Practices Report will soon offer updated local benchmarks to support competitive pay practices.
Looking ahead, a Regional Education Blueprint is scheduled for launch in 2026 with support from the ATI Foundation. This initiative aims to better align educational institutions and training programs with workforce needs considered vital for maintaining regional competitiveness.
The Chamber emphasizes that employers should use available data and long-term strategies to stay competitive as Charleston continues to grow. Efforts such as refining hiring processes, offering attractive compensation packages, and investing in employee development are seen as essential steps.
Businesses interested in learning more about these trends can attend the upcoming Economic Outlook Conference on October 21, presented by South Carolina Federal Credit Union. Registration options include individual tickets or table sponsorships with recognition at the event.
For those seeking further details on workforce projections and economic analysis, additional information is available through the Chamber’s 2024/2025 Forecast Book.
“These figures reflect what many of you see every day: growth across the region paired with real competition for talent.”
“In the 2024/2025 Forecast, the forecast board projected that the labor force would continue to expand by about 2.0% in 2025, with employment close behind at 1.9%. For employers, that means the challenges of hiring and retention are not going away anytime soon. Instead, they remain central to how businesses plan for growth and manage their teams.”
“The Chamber is committed to making these trends actionable. Our Talent Demand Study 2024 outlines the careers expected to add the most jobs by 2028, giving businesses a clearer picture of where demand is headed.”
“To connect with tomorrow’s workforce, the Regional College & Career Guide 2024–2025 links students and educators directly to opportunities in our region’s high-demand industries.”
“And to stay competitive in a crowded talent market, our Compensation & Benefits Practices Report offers local benchmarks, with a new edition set to be released soon.”
“Looking further ahead, we are preparing to launch the Regional Education Blueprint in 2026 with the support of the ATI Foundation. This long-term initiative will better align our schools, colleges and training programs with the workforce needs most critical to our region’s continued competitiveness.”
“For employers across the region, these projections highlight the importance of accessing data, developing long-term strategies and planning ahead from pay practices to workforce development.”
“Staying ahead means sharpening hiring practices, offering competitive compensation and investing in both current employees and the next generation of talent.”
“Opportunities like these and their impact on our economy will take center stage at the 2025 Economic Outlook Conference, presented by South Carolina Federal Credit Union.”
“If you’d like to dive deeper into the full analysis, explore the 2024/2025 Forecast Book.”
