COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – New data from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) shows the state’s job market is continuing to grow as summer begins.

Thousands of jobs were added in May and unemployment on a continued downward trend.

South Carolina added 5,400 nonfarm payroll jobs, bringing the total to around 2.41 million statewide.

The unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%, with an estimated 105,705 people unemployed, which is a decrease from around 106,470 in April.

At the DEW, officials credit strong leadership in the state government and a business-friendly environment for the state’s continued success in job growth.

“From the Governor on down, there’s a strong commitment to making sure we are a state that is open for business and attracting a wide array of industries,” said Bryan Grady, Assistant Executive Director of Labor Market Information at SCDEW. “And we’ve certainly seen that.”

The report highlighted low unemployment rates in both the Upstate and Lowcountry, with the Midlands showing steady economic growth.

“You haven’t seen the extremely high rates of population growth here that you see in Greenville or Charleston,” Grady said. “But the Midlands remains economically stable, with a workforce anchored by state government, the University of South Carolina, and major hospital systems.”

SCDEW officials also discussed ongoing efforts, they are doing, to connect job seekers directly with employers through job fairs and workforce services, including SC Works.

“South Carolina is connecting people with amazing companies hiring across the state,” said Catherine Hill, SCDEW Senior Business Services Consultant. “Depending on the job you want, we have it, and it works.”

Hill added that seeing job seekers succeed is one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

“Many people leave our job fairs with interviews already scheduled. That personal connection makes a huge difference compared to just applying online.”