North Carolina’s unemployment rate for May 2025 remained steady at 3.7 percent, consistent with the revised figure from April. This rate is slightly below the national average, which also held constant at 4.2 percent.
Compared to a year ago, North Carolina’s unemployment rate has risen by 0.1 percentage point. The number of employed individuals in the state decreased by 5,637 over the month, totaling 5,092,894. Over the year, employment saw a decline of 4,394. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed increased by 284 over the month to reach 196,576 and rose by 6,683 over the year.
In terms of nonfarm employment data collected through monthly surveys, there was an increase of 400 jobs in May, bringing the total to 5,091,900. Sectors that saw job growth included Construction (1,600), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (1,300), Government (300), Leisure & Hospitality Services (100), and Private Education & Health Services (100). Conversely, declines were observed in Professional & Business Services (-2,200), Manufacturing (-400), Information (-200), Financial Activities (-100), and Other Services (-100). Employment in Mining & Logging remained unchanged.
Looking back since May 2024, Total Nonfarm jobs have grown by 67,900 positions. This includes a rise of 54,600 jobs in the Total Private sector and an increase of 13,300 jobs in Government. Significant gains were noted in sectors such as Private Education & Health Services (18,100); Professional & Business Services (15,500); Government (13,300); Trade, Transportation & Utilities (13,200); and Construction (7,900). However, Manufacturing saw a reduction of 5,400 jobs; Information lost 800; and Leisure & Hospitality Services declined by 200.
The next update on unemployment figures is scheduled for release on Wednesday, July 2nd when county-level data for May will be published.
