Steady Job Market in North Carolina Amid National Decline
Raleigh, N.C. – In July 2026, North Carolina’s unemployment rate maintained its position at 3.6 percent, according to the latest state labor statistics. This figure mirrors the revised rate from June, while the national unemployment rate saw a slight dip, falling by 0.1 percentage point to reach 4.1 percent.
Compared to a year earlier, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has decreased by 0.3 percentage points. During the month, the state experienced a reduction in the number of employed individuals, with a decrease of 21,291, bringing the total to 5,051,914. Over the whole year, employment numbers dropped by 38,951. Concurrently, the state’s unemployed population saw a monthly decrease of 3,820, reaching 186,120, and a yearly decrease of 17,752.
In terms of sector-specific employment, the state encountered a slight reduction in overall Total Nonfarm employment, down by 700 to 5,112,000 in July. Notable job gains were observed in Professional & Business Services (6,100), Construction (800), and Information (100). In contrast, several sectors faced job losses, including Private Education & Health Services (3,800), Manufacturing (1,000), Other Services (900), Leisure and Hospitality Services (800), Financial Activities (500), Government (300), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (300), and Mining & Logging (100).
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates since July 2025
| Area | July 2025 | August 2025 | Sep 2025 | Oct 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 | Jan 2026 | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N.C. | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | * | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| U.S. | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | * | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
Estimates are subject to monthly and annual revisions
*October 2025 data are unavailable due to the lapse in appropriations*
Since July 2025, North Carolina’s Total Nonfarm employment has increased by 51,600 positions. This includes a rise of 48,400 jobs in the Total Private sector and a gain of 3,200 in Government roles. Industries with notable job growth include Professional & Business Services (19,400), Construction (15,400), Private Education & Health Services (15,000), Leisure & Hospitality Services (12,400), and Financial Activities (1,400). Some sectors, however, have seen declines over the year, such as Manufacturing (9,900), Information (3,300), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (1,600), Other Services (300), and Mining & Logging (100).
The upcoming update on unemployment statistics is set for release on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when county unemployment rates for July will be made available.
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