North Carolina’s economic landscape experienced subtle shifts in November 2025, marked by a slight uptick in unemployment figures. As the state navigates these changes, comparisons to national trends reveal a complex picture of job market dynamics.
Unemployment Rate Insights
The unemployment rate in North Carolina for November 2025 was recorded at 3.8%, a minor increase of 0.1 percentage point from the same period the previous year. This rise contrasts with the national unemployment rate of 4.6%. Notably, October 2025 data was not available due to a lapse in appropriations.
Throughout the year, North Carolina saw an increase in employment numbers by 5,325 individuals. Conversely, the number of unemployed individuals rose by 7,465. These figures underscore the nuanced developments within the state’s labor market.
Sector Employment Changes
November also witnessed growth in several key industries within the state’s Total Nonfarm employment, which experienced an increase of 3,300 positions, bringing the total to 5,119,900. The Construction sector led the way with an addition of 1,900 jobs, followed closely by Leisure & Hospitality Services and Professional & Business Services, each contributing 1,600 jobs. The Trade, Transportation & Utilities sectors added 1,200 positions, while Financial Activities increased by 800. Other Services and Information sectors saw smaller gains, adding 300 and 200 jobs respectively.
Conversely, some industries faced declines. Private Education & Health Services experienced a significant drop, losing 3,400 jobs. Meanwhile, the Government and Manufacturing sectors each shed 400 positions, and Mining & Logging saw a decrease of 100 jobs.
Yearly Employment Trends
Since November 2024, North Carolina’s Total Nonfarm jobs have grown by 87,900, with the Total Private sector accounting for 87,200 of these positions and Government jobs rising by 700. The Professional & Business Services sector saw the highest gains over the year, adding 20,100 jobs. Private Education & Health Services followed with a 19,000 increase, and Leisure & Hospitality Services grew by 14,800 jobs. Construction and Trade, Transportation & Utilities sectors contributed 14,500 and 13,800 jobs respectively. Financial Activities increased by 6,800 positions, while Other Services added 4,700 jobs. Mining & Logging experienced a minor increase of 200 jobs.
However, not all sectors saw growth. Manufacturing faced a reduction of 5,700 jobs, and the Information sector decreased by 1,000 positions over the year.
The forthcoming unemployment update, scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026, will provide further insights as county-level unemployment data for November 2025 is released.
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