World-class labor force

The 12-county Piedmont Triad labor force has grown steadily over the years. In 2012, over 820,000 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, administrative, 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.

Unions

North Carolina is a right-to-work state, and management/labor relations are very good. The Triad has approximately 2% union participation, resulting in very little lost time due to union-related work stoppages.

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 Tax Rate

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 2012 taxable wage base is $24,400, with a standard beginning tax rate of 1.2%.

Wage Rates - Piedmont Triad Region

Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis Prepared by Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation

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Taxes

Please visit our section on tax information for more details.