In August 2025, North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7 percent, mirroring the revised figure from July. In contrast, the national unemployment rate experienced a slight increase, rising by 0.1 percentage points to 4.3 percent. Compared to the previous year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate showed no change. Employment statistics indicate a minor decrease in the number of employed individuals, both on a monthly and yearly basis.
The employment figures revealed that 2,394 fewer individuals were employed in August, bringing the total to 5,088,201. Over the past year, this number decreased by 3,168. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed individuals slightly decreased by 142 over the past month to 194,915, although there was an increase of 722 over the year. The state’s Total Nonfarm employment, according to the monthly establishment survey, saw an increase of 4,800, reaching a total of 5,095,400 in August.
Several major industries contributed to this employment growth. Trade, Transportation & Utilities added 4,400 jobs, while Leisure & Hospitality Services and Other Services each increased by 700 positions. Manufacturing gained 500 jobs, and Financial Activities saw an increase of 300. Conversely, some sectors experienced declines, with Construction losing 1,200 jobs, Information decreasing by 300 positions, Government down by 200, and Professional & Business Services shedding 100 jobs. Employment in Mining & Logging and Private Education & Health Services remained unchanged over the month.
Looking back over the year since August 2024, Total Nonfarm employment increased by 80,800 jobs. The private sector saw a rise of 70,100 jobs, while the Government sector expanded by 10,700. Professional & Business Services experienced the largest growth with an addition of 21,500 jobs, closely followed by Private Education & Health Services at 21,100. Manufacturing and Information sectors, however, faced declines, losing 8,400 and 800 jobs respectively.
The state’s next unemployment update is scheduled for October 1, 2025, when the county unemployment rates for August 2025 will be released.
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