Unemployment Rates Steady in North Carolina Amid National Decline
In the latest employment statistics, North Carolina’s unemployment rate held steady in January 2026 at 3.8 percent, mirroring December’s figures, while the U.S. witnessed a slight decrease to 4.3 percent in the same month. North Carolina has maintained its unemployment rate from the previous year, despite fluctuations in employment numbers.
The state experienced a month-to-month reduction in employed individuals, with a decrease of 3,494, bringing the total employed to 5,109,781. Conversely, unemployment figures saw a marginal increase, with 96 more people unemployed, reaching a total of 203,481. Year-over-year data indicated an increase of 19,919 in employment and an additional 2,876 unemployed individuals.
January’s establishment survey revealed a boost in seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment, rising by 5,200 to a total of 5,073,400. Sectors such as Private Education & Health Services led growth with an increase of 4,700 jobs, followed by Construction with 1,300, and Professional & Business Services with 900. Leisure & Hospitality Services, Government, Financial Activities, Mining & Logging, and Other Services also noted job gains.
However, the Information sector shed 1,600 jobs, Manufacturing decreased by 1,400 positions, and Trade, Transportation & Utilities lost 200 jobs. This reflects broader industry trends that have persisted over the past year.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates since January 2025
| Area | Jan 2025 | Feb 2025 | Mar 2025 | Apr 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 | July 2025 | August 2025 | Sep 2025 | Oct 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 | Jan 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N.C. | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | * | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 |
| U.S. | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | * | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
Estimates are subject to monthly and annual revisions*
*October 2025 data are unavailable due to the lapse in appropriations*
Since January 2025, North Carolina has seen a total increase of 41,900 Total Nonfarm jobs. The Total Private sector expanded by 38,200, while Government employment grew by 3,700. Key sectors with job growth included Private Education & Health Services, adding 22,500 jobs, and Leisure & Hospitality Services, which grew by 10,900. Other areas such as Construction, Professional & Business Services, and Financial Activities also saw notable increases.
Nonetheless, some industries faced challenges. Manufacturing jobs declined by 11,600, and the Information sector saw a decrease of 3,200 positions. Meanwhile, employment in Other Services remained constant over the year.
The next update on state unemployment figures is scheduled for release on Thursday, April 16, 2026, providing insights into January’s county-level unemployment rates.
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