Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 12,900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC market declined by 12,797 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 4.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC unemployment rate is 99 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 270 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 1.7% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs stayed flat. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 249,600; -2,700
  • Business Services: 218,100; -400
  • Government: 147,100; +12,900
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 126,800; -8,600
  • Education & Healthcare: 122,100; +1,400
  • Financial Services: 112,800; +800
  • Manufacturing: 102,300; -1,600
  • Construction, Mining: 70,200; -1,600
  • Other Jobs: 43,700; -600
  • IT & Development: 23,900; no change
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.