Press Releases

The state’s seasonally adjusted July 2026 unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, remaining unchanged from June’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.1 percent.North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased 0.3 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 21,291 over the month to 5,051,914 and decreased 38,951 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 3,820 over the month to 186,120 and decreased 17,752 over the year.

Governor Josh Stein today announced that North Carolina’s Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) has approved 11 grant requests for local governments totaling $4,933,520. The grants include commitments to create a total of 673 jobs, 331 of which were previously announced. As a result of these grants, the additional private investment in these projects is expected to reach more than $1 billion.

Visitor spending increased for 59 of North Carolina’s 100 counties in 2025, according to data released Wednesday by the N.C. Department of Commerce.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced Prysmian, a leading provider of solutions for energy and digital connections, will add 385 new jobs in Catawba County. The company says it will invest more than $1 billion as it expands its fiber and glass manufacturing operations.“This billion-dollar investment is more proof that North Carolina is leading the way on innovation and job creation,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Companies understand the value of our highly skilled manufacturing workforce that helps to power their strategic growth.”

The NCWorks Commission, North Carolina’s workforce development board, has announced that 43 training programs have become the first to receive state-level approval to participate in the new Workforce Pell Grant program. The program expands access to federal financial aid for students enrolled in short-term workforce training programs that meet certain requirements.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced STERIS plc (NYSE: STE), a leading health care company, will create 335 jobs in Lee County. The company will invest $600 million in a new manufacturing and distribution Chemistries Manufacturing Center of Excellence in the city of Sanford.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 39 counties, decreased in 16, and remained unchanged in 45 in June 2026. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Seven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and eight remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent. 

Governor Josh Stein announced Skyeton, Inc., a manufacturer of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), will create 162 new jobs in Cumberland County. The company will invest more than $3.1 million in Fayetteville to establish its first flagship manufacturing operation in the United States.

Today Governor Josh Stein celebrated that 7 projects supporting economic resilience after Hurricane Helene will receive $34.2 million in grants from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The grants will help expand economic opportunity and support long-term recovery across the region.

Leaders from the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations applaud recent public investments to improve child care and early education access, affordability, and quality across North Carolina.