The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in North Carolina for September 2025 remained steady at 3.7%, matching August’s revised figure. In contrast, the national unemployment rate saw a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points, rising to 4.4%. North Carolina’s unemployment rate has not changed compared to the same period last year. Over the past month, the state saw a modest increase in employment figures, with 1,020 more people employed, reaching a total of 5,089,209. However, the number of unemployed individuals rose by 2,954 to 197,807 over the same period.
The Total Nonfarm employment in North Carolina experienced an increase of 10,200 jobs in September, according to the monthly establishment survey. Key industries contributing to this growth included Leisure & Hospitality Services, which added 3,200 jobs, and Professional & Business Services, with an increase of 2,500 jobs. Private Education & Health Services also saw a rise of 2,000 jobs, while Construction added 1,300 positions. Conversely, the Trade, Transportation & Utilities sector experienced a decline, losing 400 jobs.
Since September 2024, North Carolina has added 79,700 Total Nonfarm jobs, with significant growth in the Private sector, which saw an increase of 71,800 jobs, and the Government sector, which added 7,900 jobs. Private Education & Health Services led the way with an increase of 21,400 jobs, followed by Professional & Business Services with 20,100 new jobs. Leisure & Hospitality Services and Construction also saw substantial growth, adding 11,100 and 9,700 jobs respectively. However, some industries faced declines, notably Manufacturing, which saw a decrease of 7,700 jobs over the year.
The next update on unemployment rates is scheduled for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, when county-level data for September 2025 will be released.
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