North Carolina’s Unemployment Rate Holds Steady Amid National Decline
In January 2026, North Carolina’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.8 percent, maintaining its position from December. This steadiness in the state’s job market contrasts with the national trend, where the unemployment rate dipped slightly by 0.1 percentage points to 4.3 percent.
Looking back over the year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has shown no variation. The state’s employment figures revealed a slight month-over-month employment decrease, with 3,494 fewer people employed, bringing the total to 5,109,781. However, on an annual scale, there was an increase of 19,919 employed individuals. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed rose by 96 over the month, totaling 203,481, and saw an annual increase of 2,876.
Regarding sector-specific job changes, the state witnessed an increase of 5,200 jobs in its Total Nonfarm employment, reaching a total of 5,073,400 jobs in January. The sectors with the most significant job additions included Private Education & Health Services, which added 4,700 jobs; Construction with 1,300; and Professional & Business Services with an increase of 900 jobs. Other sectors showing growth were Leisure & Hospitality Services (800), Government (300), Financial Activities (200), Mining & Logging (100), and Other Services (100). Conversely, the Information sector faced a reduction of 1,600 jobs, Manufacturing lost 1,400 jobs, and Trade, Transportation & Utilities saw a decrease of 200 jobs.
Trends in Unemployment Rates Since January 2025
| Area | Jan 2025 | Feb 2025 | Mar 2025 | Apr 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 | July 2025 | August 2025 | Sep 2025 | Oct 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 | Jan 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N.C. | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | * | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| U.S. | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | * | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
Estimates are subject to monthly and annual revisions*
*October 2025 data are unavailable due to the lapse in appropriations*
Since January 2025, job growth in North Carolina’s Total Nonfarm jobs has shown an increase of 41,900 positions. The Total Private sector contributed significantly with an addition of 38,200 jobs, while the Government sector expanded by 3,700 jobs. Notable growth sectors included Private Education & Health Services, which saw a rise of 22,500 jobs; Leisure & Hospitality Services with 10,900; and Construction with an addition of 10,200 jobs. Other sectors such as Professional & Business Services, Financial Activities, and Trade, Transportation & Utilities also saw employment gains. However, Manufacturing and Information sectors faced declines, losing 11,600 and 3,200 jobs respectively. Employment in Other Services remained consistent over the year.
The forthcoming update on county unemployment rates for January 2026 is anticipated on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
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