Unemployment Trends in North Carolina Remain Steady in July 2026
Amidst fluctuating national employment rates, North Carolina’s job market showcased stability in July 2026, with the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate holding at 3.6 percent. This figure reflects no change from the revised rate of June, while the national unemployment rate experienced a slight decline to 4.1 percent.
Compared to the previous year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate saw a decrease of 0.3 percentage points. The number of employed individuals fell by 21,291 during the month, totaling 5,051,914. Over the past year, employment numbers have decreased by 38,951. Conversely, the unemployment figures dropped by 3,820 over the month to 186,120 and showed a year-over-year decrease of 17,752.
Examining the state’s Total Nonfarm employment, there was a slight decrease of 700 jobs, bringing the total to 5,112,000 in July. Significant job increases were notable in sectors such as Professional & Business Services, which added 6,100 positions, Construction with 800, and Information gaining 100 jobs. In contrast, several industries faced declines, with Private Education & Health Services losing 3,800 jobs, Manufacturing down by 1,000, and Other Services decreasing by 900 positions. Additionally, sectors such as Leisure and Hospitality Services, Financial Activities, Government, Trade, Transportation & Utilities, and Mining & Logging saw reductions ranging from 800 to 100 jobs.
Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates since July 2025
| Area | July 2025 | August 2025 | Sep 2025 | Oct 2025 | Nov 2025 | Dec 2025 | Jan 2026 | Feb 2026 | Mar 2026 | Apr 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N.C. | 3.9 | 3.9 | 3.9 | * | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| U.S. | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.4 | * | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
Estimates are subject to monthly and annual revisions
*October 2025 data are unavailable due to the lapse in appropriations*
Since July 2025, the state has observed an overall increase in Total Nonfarm jobs by 51,600, with the Total Private sector contributing 48,400 and Government jobs increasing by 3,200. Noteworthy industry growth includes Professional & Business Services adding 19,400 jobs, Construction increasing by 15,400, followed closely by Private Education & Health Services with 15,000 new positions. Leisure & Hospitality Services grew by 12,400 jobs, while Government and Financial Activities added 3,200 and 1,400 jobs, respectively. Meanwhile, industries like Manufacturing faced a decrease of 9,900 jobs, Information lost 3,300, and Trade, Transportation & Utilities saw a reduction of 1,600 jobs.
The upcoming unemployment update is anticipated on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when figures for county unemployment rates in July 2026 will be made available.
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