Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 3.5% with the biggest shift in Restaurants & Hotels, which gained 4,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC market rose by 5,264 jobs in February and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC unemployment rate is 39 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 20 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 5.8% 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 February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.9% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 272,000; -2,600
  • Business Services: 227,600; +2,900
  • Government: 161,200; +1,300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 143,500; +4,600
  • Education & Healthcare: 143,200; +4,200
  • Financial Services: 121,500; +200
  • Manufacturing: 110,300; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 75,400; +1,300
  • Other Jobs: 48,100; -600
  • IT & Development: 26,300; no change
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.