Topics Related to Workforce

The state’s seasonally adjusted March 2026 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from February’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.3 percent.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 3,097 over the month to 5,107,523 and increased 18,671 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 3,946 over the month to 197,113 and decreased 4,109 over the year.

The North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education, co-chaired by Lieutenant Governor Rachel Hunt and Senator Jim Burgin (R-Harnett), convened today at the State Government Complex in Downtown Raleigh to brief legislators and the public on ways child care access affects our economy. Task Force members led the briefing alongside business community leaders and business executives who participate in ExCEL NC (Executives Championing Early Learning in North Carolina).

Today Governor Josh Stein visited Davidson-Davie Community College for National Apprenticeship Week and celebrated the college’s work to train North Carolina’s nursing workforce.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 91 counties in February 2026, increased in five, and remained unchanged in four. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.8 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 3.0 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.3 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.3 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.8 percent.

The state’s seasonally adjusted February 2026 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, unchanged from January’s revised rate. The national rate increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate was unchanged from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 701 over the month to 5,110,580 and increased 21,711 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 2,352 over the month to 201,100 and decreased 244 over the year.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in all 100 counties in January 2026. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 10.0 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 3.1 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.5 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.1 percent.

The state’s seasonally adjusted January 2026 unemployment rate was 3.8 percent, unchanged from December’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.3 percent.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate was unchanged from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 3,494 over the month to 5,109,781 and increased 19,919 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 96 over the month to 203,481 and increased 2,876 over the year.

Governor Josh Stein, North Carolina Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, and North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette are encouraging North Carolina employers to hire veterans and to apply for recognition with a HIRE Vets Medallion Award, an official program of the U.S. Department of Labor. The application period ends April 30, 2026. 

Today Governor Josh Stein celebrated the Siemen

Today Governor Josh Stein held his latest NC Strong Update to