North Carolina’s Unemployment Steady in February Despite National Uptick
In a period of national economic flux, North Carolina’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.8 percent in February 2026, maintaining the same rate as January, according to recent data released. This stability comes as the national unemployment rate saw a slight increase, moving up by 0.1 percentage point to 4.4 percent.
Compared to the previous year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has shown no change. The state’s labor force witnessed a small but positive shift, with the number of employed individuals rising by 701 over the month, totaling 5,110,580. Over the year, this number increased by 21,711. Concurrently, the unemployed population reduced by 2,352, bringing the total number of unemployed individuals to 201,100, which is a decrease of 244 from the previous year.
Shifts in Nonfarm Employment Sectors
The state’s Total Nonfarm employment, which is adjusted for seasonal variations, experienced a decline of 2,600, bringing it to 5,069,400 in February. Several industries observed growth, with Private Education & Health Services leading the way, adding 2,700 jobs. The Government sector increased by 1,200 jobs, Other Services by 900, and Construction by 600. Conversely, significant job losses were recorded in Trade, Transportation & Utilities, which lost 3,300 jobs, and Leisure & Hospitality Services, which saw a reduction of 1,900 jobs. Other sectors facing declines included Manufacturing with a loss of 1,100 jobs, Financial Activities with 800, Professional & Business Services with 500, and Information down by 400. Mining & Logging employment remained unchanged.
Yearly Employment Trends
Since February 2025, North Carolina’s Total Nonfarm jobs increased by 36,300. The Total Private sector was responsible for 30,800 of these new jobs, while the Government sector added 5,500. Private Education & Health Services saw the largest gains with 22,000 additional jobs, followed by Construction with 11,200, and Leisure & Hospitality Services with 7,900. Other sectors that grew included Government, Professional & Business Services, Financial Activities, Other Services, and Mining & Logging. However, the Manufacturing sector faced significant challenges, losing 12,500 jobs, while Trade, Transportation & Utilities, and Information sectors also saw decreases of 4,200 and 2,400 jobs, respectively.
The upcoming update on unemployment figures, detailing county-specific rates for February 2026, is scheduled for release on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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