Employment Steady in North Carolina: April 2026 Report Highlights
The unemployment rate in North Carolina remained steady in April 2026, providing a snapshot of economic stability in the state. This consistency offers insights into how various sectors are performing amid broader national economic trends.
In April 2026, North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held firm at 3.7 percent, unchanged from the revised rate of the previous month. This aligns with the national rate, which also remained constant at 4.3 percent. From a year-on-year perspective, the state’s unemployment rate has decreased by 0.1 percentage point.
The employed population in North Carolina dropped by 9,660 individuals, bringing the total to 5,097,931, while employment figures rose by 9,126 from the same time last year. The number of unemployed residents dipped by 482, totaling 196,615, reflecting a decrease of 4,535 over the past year.
Job Growth Across Various Sectors
North Carolina saw an increase of 16,000 jobs in the Total Nonfarm employment sector in April, resulting in a total of 5,096,100 jobs as per the monthly establishment survey. Key sectors contributing to this growth include Leisure & Hospitality Services, which added 5,700 jobs, and Professional & Business Services with 3,100 new positions. Construction jobs increased by 2,700, while Trade, Transportation & Utilities saw a rise of 1,900. Smaller gains were observed in Financial Activities and Government, each with an addition of 900 jobs. Private Education & Health Services, Other Services, and Information sectors also reported modest increases.
Manufacturing was the only major industry to experience a decline, losing 100 jobs, and Mining & Logging employment figures remained unchanged.
Unemployment Rate Trends
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates since April 2025
| Area | Apr 2025 | May 2025 | June 2025 | July 2025 | August 2025 | Sep 2025 | Oct 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 | Jan 2026 | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N.C. | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | * | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| U.S. | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | * | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
Estimates are subject to monthly and annual revisions
*October 2025 data are unavailable due to the lapse in appropriations*
From April 2025 to April 2026, Total Nonfarm jobs advanced by 45,800, with the Total Private sector gaining 41,400 positions and Government adding 4,400. Private Education & Health Services led the charge with an increase of 19,300 jobs, followed by Construction, which grew by 13,600. The Leisure & Hospitality Services sector expanded by 11,300 jobs, while Professional & Business Services added 4,600. Declines were observed in Manufacturing and Information sectors by 10,600 and 2,400 jobs, respectively. The Mining & Logging industry remained stable over the year.
The forthcoming unemployment update, detailing county unemployment rates for April 2026, is slated for release on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
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