North Carolina’s December 2025 unemployment steady at 3.9%

North Carolina’s Unemployment Holds Steady as National Rate Declines

In a landscape where national joblessness is decreasing, North Carolina’s unemployment rate remains unchanged. December 2025 saw the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 3.9 percent, mirroring November’s revised figure. Meanwhile, the national rate experienced a slight dip of 0.1 percentage point, now at 4.4 percent.

Although stable from the previous month, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has risen by 0.2 percentage points over the past year. The state’s employment figures reflect an increase, with 9,802 more people employed in December, bringing the total to 5,104,078. Over the year, employment rose by 14,611. Conversely, the unemployed population grew by 683 in December and by 8,543 over the year, totaling 204,751.

Industry Shifts in Employment

The establishment survey for December reported a rise in seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment, which grew by 3,300 to reach 5,125,000. The Leisure & Hospitality Services sector saw the most significant boost, adding 2,900 jobs. Other industries with notable employment gains included Financial Activities (1,900), Private Education & Health Services (1,700), and Construction (1,100). On the downside, the Trade, Transportation & Utilities sector lost 5,900 jobs, while Manufacturing shed 800 positions. Information employment remained unchanged during this period.

Annual Employment Trends

Looking at the broader picture since December 2024, Total Nonfarm employment in North Carolina has expanded by 80,700, with the Total Private sector contributing 78,800 jobs and Government adding 1,900 jobs. Over the year, significant job increases were seen in Private Education & Health Services (19,400), Professional & Business Services (18,200), and Construction (14,400). Conversely, Manufacturing and Information sectors experienced declines, losing 7,200 and 700 jobs, respectively.

The release of county-specific unemployment rates for December 2025 is scheduled for February 4, 2026, providing further insights into the state’s employment landscape.