In a time of economic uncertainty, North Carolina’s unemployment figures for September 2025 reveal a steady state in the job market. As the national unemployment rate nudges slightly higher, the state remains consistent with its previous month’s statistics, offering a detailed look into the workforce dynamics.
North Carolina’s Steady Unemployment Rate
As of September 2025, North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stands firm at 3.7 percent, unchanged from the revised figure for August. In contrast, the national unemployment rate saw a slight increase, edging up by 0.1 percentage point to reach 4.4 percent.
Compared to the same period last year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has remained stable. The workforce experienced a modest increase in employment, with 1,020 more people employed over the month, totaling 5,089,209. However, this represents a decrease of 306 individuals when viewed on a year-over-year basis. The number of unemployed people rose by 2,954 from the previous month, reaching 197,807, which is an increase of 2,499 from the previous year.
Job Growth Across Various Sectors
September saw an increase in seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment, with a rise of 10,200, bringing the total to 5,106,700. Several industries contributed to this growth, with Leisure & Hospitality Services leading the way with an addition of 3,200 jobs. Professional & Business Services followed closely, adding 2,500 positions. Other sectors showing positive growth included Private Education & Health Services (2,000), Construction (1,300), and Financial Activities (700). Meanwhile, sectors such as Information, Manufacturing, Government, Mining & Logging, and Other Services each saw modest gains.
Trade, Transportation & Utilities was the only major sector that experienced a decline, losing 400 positions.
Annual Employment Trends
Since September 2024, the state has added 79,700 Total Nonfarm jobs. The Total Private sector accounted for 71,800 of these new positions, while Government employment rose by 7,900. Significant job increases were recorded in Private Education & Health Services (21,400), Professional & Business Services (20,100), and Leisure & Hospitality Services (11,100). Construction and Trade, Transportation & Utilities also showed notable gains.
However, not all sectors experienced growth. Manufacturing saw a significant decrease, shedding 7,700 jobs, while the Information sector lost 400 positions over the year.
The next update on unemployment figures, which will focus on county-specific data for September 2025, is scheduled for release on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.
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