North Carolina’s Unemployment Rate Dips in August 2026
In August 2026, North Carolina experienced a slight dip in its unemployment rate, which now stands at 3.5 percent, according to seasonally adjusted figures. This marks a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the revised rate of July. Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1 percent.
Over the past year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has decreased by 0.4 percentage points. The number of employed individuals saw a reduction of 3,085 from the previous month, totaling 5,049,056, and a year-over-year decline of 47,152. The unemployed population decreased by 4,052 over the month to 182,042, reflecting a yearly decrease of 22,422.
Job Growth in Various Sectors
North Carolina’s Total Nonfarm employment, as per the monthly establishment survey, rose by 10,000, reaching 5,128,400 in August. The Leisure and Hospitality Services sector led the gains with an increase of 3,200 jobs. Other sectors with notable job growth included Construction (2,100), Professional & Business Services (1,900), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (1,700), Other Services (1,500), Government (1,200), and Manufacturing (200).
Conversely, several sectors witnessed job declines. The Information sector saw a reduction of 700 jobs, Financial Activities decreased by 600, and Private Education & Health Services lost 500 jobs. Employment in Mining & Logging remained unchanged.
Annual Job Market Trends
Over the past year, Total Nonfarm jobs in North Carolina have increased by 65,600. The Total Private sector was responsible for 61,000 of these new positions, while the Government sector contributed 4,600. Professional & Business Services saw the most significant growth, adding 23,300 jobs. Construction followed with 17,500 new jobs, and Leisure & Hospitality Services added 16,900 positions. Other growing sectors included Private Education & Health Services (11,200), Government (4,600), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (2,500), Other Services (1,700), and Financial Activities (1,200).
However, not all industries experienced growth. Manufacturing jobs decreased by 8,900, the Information sector saw a drop of 4,300, and Mining & Logging lost 100 jobs over the year.
Looking Ahead
The next update on unemployment figures is expected on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, focusing on the county unemployment rates for August 2026. As always, estimates are subject to monthly and annual revisions. For more details on regional employment trends, visit the official reports here.
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