The importance of manufacturing to the South Carolina jobs market has diminished somewhat in recent years, but it remains a dominant part of the state economy. Foreign-based companies operating in SC have helped to diversify its manufacturing sector; transportation equipment, textiles, and plastics and rubber are its leading subsectors. Tourism is another primary source of jobs in South Carolina. Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head Island and other resort destinations have made The Palmetto State a popular vacation destination for people from all over the world.

As the capital and largest city, state government is a major source of Columbia, South Carolina jobs. The city has a very diverse economy, though the healthcare and manufacturing industries are principal employers. Close to a dozen military bases are positioned in SC, including Fort Jackson, the Army’s largest training facility, in Columbia. Aviation and automotive manufacturing is a prominent source of Charleston, South Carolina jobs; parts of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner are built there. Innovista, a $250 million research park in downtown Columbia, is a dynamic new source of high-tech South Carolina careers in nanoscience, biotech and environmental technologies.