Topics Related to Labor Market

In this edition of NC Economy Watch, we examine labor market data released during and after the federal government shutdown. Despite a partial data blackout, these indicators demonstrate that North Carolina’s labor market has continued to progress along the same path it has in recent years. Although layoffs remain relatively uncommon, a slowdown in hiring has made it increasingly difficult to find a new job. As we enter 2026, we find ourselves staring down the fifth year of a prolonged labor market slowdown.

In this edition of NC Economy Watch, we take stock of the economic recovery in Western North Carolina following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The region’s economic recovery began in earnest in November 2024 and has shown signs of progress with each passing month. However, as more data come in, we are learning that the economic impact of Helene was larger than initially estimated, and so far, by several measures, counties affected by the storm have experienced an incomplete economic recovery.

So, you have spent four years debating supply and demand curves, plotting the Phillips curve, and maybe even survived a game theory final or two, and now you’re wondering: what’s next? If you’re an Economics graduate in North Carolina, the latest NC TOWER data sheds light on what that next step might look like.

For years, women have been outpacing men in earning college degrees across every level of higher education. But as we turn the page into the 2020’s, the dynamics are showing signs of shifting. The latest data from North Carolina’s public post-secondary schools paints a complex picture still favoring women, but with some nuances that suggest the future may not be as linear as the past.

In September 2024, Hurricane Helene carved a devastating path across the Southeastern United States, leaving an indelible mark on Western North Carolina's economic landscape. The storm caused estimated damage within North Carolina reaching up to $59.6 billion, establishing it as one of the costliest hurricanes in recent history. With the release of Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) data for the second quarter following the storm, we now have a clearer picture of how industry employment has been affected across the hardest-hit areas.

College majors aren't just academic choices as they often set the stage for lifelong income differences. By following traditional gender paths into fields like education or engineering, students may unknowingly reinforce the gender pay gap before their careers even begin.

Every June, thousands of North Carolina high schoolers toss their graduation caps into the sky and step into the unknown. But where do they actually land? We dug into the data of more than 950,000 students who graduated from NC public schools between 2014 and 2023 to find out. Thanks to the NC TOWER which tracks employment and higher education outcomes, we can follow the journeys of about 92% of these grads through jobs and colleges both in and out of state.

Our recent The LEAD Feed article introduced the issue and examined the factors contributing to a more complex labor market for recent graduates compared to previous years. Using data from NC TOWER, the article showed that the class of 2023 experienced a somewhat unexpected decline in first-year post-college wages.

In this edition of NC Economy Watch, we examine the challenges faced by recent college graduates in North Carolina. While college remains a worthwhile investment for most students, recent college graduates are confronting a more difficult labor market than in previous years as they navigate technological change and the ups-and-downs of the post-COVID economy.

The Labor & Economic Analysis Division (LEAD) recently released the 2032 Regional Long Term Industry Projections for North Carolina. As reported in the summary of the 2032 Statewide Long Term Employment Projections earlier this year, over 500,000 new jobs are expected to be added to the North Carolina economy between 2022 and 2032, representing a percentage change of 10% . However, these trends vary significantly by region and industry.