Topics Related to Workforce

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. 

The state’s seasonally adjusted June 2026 unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, decreasing 0.1 of a percentage point from May’s revised rate. The national rate decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.2 percent.

North Carolina’s unemployment rate decreased 0.2 of a percentage point from a year ago. The number of people employed decreased 12,684 over the month to 5,073,245 and decreased 14,850 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 4,567 over the month to 189,968 and decreased 12,879 over the year.

Today Governor Josh Stein joined NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai and leadership at Broughton Hospital in Morganton to announce the STEP-NC: Health Care Program, the first health care apprenticeship program within state government. In partnership with the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, the initiative begins with pilot programs at Broughton Hospital and J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center.

Today Governor Josh Stein visited the Careers Electric Summer Electrical Academy at Cleveland Community College, where he met with high school students enrolled in one of 12 academies launching this summer as part of a landmark investment in electrical workforce development. The Governor’s visit underscored his administration’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality, career-ready training and creating clear pathways into well-paying, in-demand electrical jobs for North Carolinians. 

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 70 counties, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in 25 in May 2026. Hyde and Edgecombe Counties each had the highest unemployment rate at 5.2 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and two remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent. 

Today Governor Josh Stein and the NCWorks Commission, North Carolina’s workforce development board, announced the opening of applications for eligible training providers seeking 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.

The state’s seasonally adjusted May 2026 unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, remaining unchanged from April’s revised rate. The national rate was unchanged at 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 11,988 over the month to 5,086,003 and decreased 2,157 over the year. The number of people unemployed decreased 1,998 over the month to 194,590 and decreased 7,164 over the year.

Today Governor Josh Stein announced Supreme Nonwoven Inc., a leading manufacturer of advanced nonwoven materials and products, will create 50 new jobs in Davidson County. The company will invest $25.8 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Lexington.