Companies seeking a diverse, skilled, productive and willing workforce can find exactly what they’re looking for in North Carolina. With a population of more than 10 million, North Carolina offers an abundance of workers with a wide array of skills. In addition, the state’s increasingly knowledge-driven workforce offers companies strategic advantages in the global war for talent.
Ranked one of the most effective in the nation, North Carolina's Workforce Development Network helps businesses screen and refer readily available applicants for skill-specific openings across industry segments.
A labor force of more than 4.5 million serves a wide range of industries from financial services, biopharmaceutical research and manufacturing, information technology, chemicals and plastics to construction, advanced manufacturing, bus assembly and education.
Over the last four years, only four other states recorded higher levels of migration from other parts of the country. This diversity brings a depth of knowledge. The overwhelming majority of these new North Carolinians have two or more years of prior industry experience to offer.
North Carolina is also home to nearly one million retirees and more than 21,000 men and women are available to join the labor force annually as they complete military service. These individuals represent a substantial resource for business and industry.
North Carolina’s workforce has earned the nation’s highest productivity ranking in manufacturing, which accounts for nearly 15 percent of the state’s economy. Within this sector, North Carolina has a strong presence of machinery, lumber and wood products, printing, publishing and allied industries.
Our state has the lowest unionization rate in the country and a right-to-work law. To help control costs, unemployment insurance is below the national average and workers’ compensation programs permit self insurance below industry rates.
North Carolina’s Employment Security Commission and other employer associations provide assistance with workforce issues ranging from hiring to firing and announced lay-offs.
For more information about North Carolina’s talented workforce, download the 
Human Resources Chapter of our Fact Book and refer to the links below:
Related Links
Employment Security Commission of North Carolina's Website
North Carolina Industrial Commission
Occupational Employment and Wages in North Carolina
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
North Carolina Chamber
Capital Associated Industries
The Employers Association
Western Carolina Industries