The state’s seasonally adjusted September 2026 unemployment rate was 3.4 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from August’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent.
North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased 0.5 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 4,623 over the month to 5,053,743 and decreased 49,720 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 2,204 over the month to 179,830 and decreased 24,757 over the year.
Seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment, as gathered through the monthly establishment survey, increased 600 to 5,128,000 in September. Major industries experiencing increases were Private Education & Health Services, 3,700; Trade, Transportation & Utilities, 1,400; and Other Services, 100. Major industries experiencing decreases were Professional & Business Services, 1,500; Manufacturing, 1,100; Information, 800; Construction, 500; Leisure and Hospitality Services, 500; Financial Activities, 100; and Government, 100. Mining & Logging employment remained unchanged.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates since September 2025
| Area | Sep 2025 | Oct 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 | Jan 2026 | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 | August 2026 | Sep 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N.C. | 3.9 | * | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 34 |
| U.S. | 4.4 | * | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.2 |
Estimates are subject to monthly and annual revisions*
*October 2025 data are unavailable due to the lapse in appropriations*
Since September 2025, Total Nonfarm jobs increased 67,000 with the Total Private sector increasing by 63,900 and Government increasing by 3,100. Major industries experiencing increases were Professional & Business Services, 25,500; Private Education & Health Services, 18,700; Construction, 15,900; Leisure & Hospitality Services, 12,800; Government, 3,100; Trade, Transportation & Utilities, 2,500; Other Services, 1,700; and Financial Activities, 200. Major industries experiencing decreases over the year were Manufacturing, 8,800; Information, 4,500; and Mining & Logging, 100.
The next unemployment update is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026 when the county unemployment rates for September 2026 will be released.