Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.6% with the biggest shift in Restaurants & Hotels, which gained 3,900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC market rose by 11,363 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 80 bps to 4.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 6.2%.

  • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC unemployment rate is 158 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 90 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 7.4% and are down 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 March 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 252,000; +600
  • Business Services: 215,400; +1,900
  • Government: 153,600; -400
  • Education & Healthcare: 122,700; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 116,200; +3,900
  • Financial Services: 110,100; +600
  • Manufacturing: 103,800; +800
  • Construction, Mining: 67,800; -300
  • Other Jobs: 43,300; +500
  • IT & Development: 23,400; +100
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment by Industry March 2021

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

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.