Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 6,200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC market rose by 10,197 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 3.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC unemployment rate is 96 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 350 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in September versus prior month by -0.1% 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 250,000; +200
  • Business Services: 219,200; +800
  • Government: 153,300; +6,200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 127,300; -3,800
  • Education & Healthcare: 122,300; +500
  • Financial Services: 112,300; -500
  • Manufacturing: 102,100; -600
  • Construction, Mining: 70,800; +600
  • Other Jobs: 44,200; +600
  • IT & Development: 23,700; -200
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.