North Carolina’s December Employment Figures Released

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North Carolina Unemployment Rate Holds Steady in December 2024

North Carolina’s unemployment rate remained stable in December 2024, holding steady at 3.7%, according to recent data. this consistent performance mirrors the revised unemployment rate for November.

nationally, the unemployment rate saw a slight dip, decreasing by 0.1 percentage points to 4.1%.

Despite the national trend, North Carolina’s unemployment rate experienced a small uptick of 0.1 percentage points year-over-year. Though, the state saw a positive increase in the number of employed individuals, adding 1,224 jobs in December alone. This brought the total number of employed individuals to 5,066,954. Looking further back, year-over-year, North Carolina witnessed a more notable increase in employment, adding 5,467 jobs.

While the number of unemployed individuals decreased slightly month-over-month, dropping by 188 to 196,926, the year-over-year trend revealed an increase of 9,526 individuals seeking work.

Looking at the broader picture through the lens of the monthly establishment survey,North Carolina’s employment landscape painted a promising picture. Total nonfarm employment saw a notable surge of 10,600 jobs in December 2024, reaching 5,050,700. The professional & business services sector spearheaded this growth, adding 5,300 jobs, followed closely by leisure & hospitality, which welcomed 3,600 new positions.

Education & health services also experienced a boost, adding 1,800 jobs. Manufacturing, construction, and government sectors each contributed to the growing workforce by adding a few hundred jobs.

However,some sectors experienced minor contractions. Financial activities saw a decline of 900 jobs, while trade, transportation & utilities shed 700 positions.The information sector also saw a decrease of 500 jobs.

Since December 2023, North Carolina’s overall employment picture has been undeniably positive. Total nonfarm jobs have surged by a significant 85,100,with the private sector contributing 69,300 jobs and the government sector adding 15,800 jobs to this growth.

The education & health services sector led this growth, adding 29,200 jobs, followed closely by the professional & business services sector.

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North Carolina’s Steady Employment Climb

North Carolina’s economy continues to hum along, with the state’s unemployment rate holding steady at 3.7% in December 2024. This impressive stability stands out against a backdrop of national fluctuations. Dr. Emily Carter,economist at the Raleigh Center for Economic Analysis,sheds light on this positive trend.

“The steady state of North Carolina’s unemployment rate is encouraging,” Dr. Carter explains. “While the national rate dipped slightly, suggesting a cooling labor market nationwide, our state is demonstrating resilience. This indicates our economy is consistently growing and generating opportunities, albeit perhaps at a more measured pace.”

A closer look reveals that this growth is fueled by several sectors. Professional and business services led the charge, adding 19,300 new positions. Leisure and hospitality also saw robust growth, with 18,500 new jobs created.

“Certainly!” Dr. Carter notes. “The growth in professional & business services reflects a thriving business environment, with increased demand for consulting, technology, and financial services. leisure & hospitality’s growth is likely fueled by the rebounding tourism industry and continued consumer spending on leisure activities.”

While some sectors are expanding, others are experiencing contraction.Manufacturing shed 7,800 jobs, trade, transportation & utilities lost 3,800 jobs, and the information sector saw a decrease of 700 jobs.

“The contraction in manufacturing could be attributed to several factors, including global supply chain disruptions and evolving automation trends,” Dr. Carter explains. “In trade, transportation & utilities, we might be seeing the effects of ongoing economic uncertainties, leading to reduced consumer spending and business investment.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Carter highlights key considerations for the North Carolina labor market:

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To delve deeper into these trends and gain further insights, visit the North Carolina department of Commerce website: [https://d4.nccommerce.com/](https://d4.nccommerce.com/)

Navigating North Carolina’s economic Landscape

North Carolina’s economy is currently experiencing a period of robust growth. However, experts caution against complacency, highlighting the ever-present possibility of external pressures. “While North carolina’s economy is demonstrating strength, it’s essential to remain vigilant,” stresses a leading economist. Inflationary trends and potential global economic turbulence could exert downward pressure on our local market.

To ensure the continued prosperity of the state’s workforce,investment in education and workforce growth is paramount. “Continued ‌investment in education and workforce advancement will be crucial to ensure that our talent pool remains aligned with the evolving needs of the job market,” the economist emphasizes.

This brings up an significant question for readers: What are your perspectives on these employment trends unfolding in North Carolina? Do you foresee opportunities emerging in particular sectors of the economy? Or are there specific concerns you believe warrant attention and action?

What specific factors contribute to the growth in professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality sectors, and what challenges might these sectors face in the future?

North Carolina’s Steady Employment Climb

North Carolina’s economy continues to hum along, with the state’s unemployment rate holding steady at 3.7% in December 2024. This notable stability stands out against a backdrop of national fluctuations. Dr. Emily Carter, economist at the raleigh Center for Economic Analysis, sheds light on this positive trend.“The steady state of North Carolina’s unemployment rate is encouraging,” Dr. Carter explains.“While the national rate dipped slightly, suggesting a cooling labor market nationwide, our state is demonstrating resilience. This indicates our economy is consistently growing and generating opportunities, albeit perhaps at a more measured pace.”

A closer look reveals that this growth is fueled by several sectors. Professional and business services led the charge, adding 19,300 new positions. Leisure and hospitality also saw robust growth, with 18,500 new jobs created.

“Certainly!” Dr. Carter notes. “The growth in professional & business services reflects a thriving business surroundings, with increased demand for consulting, technology, and financial services. leisure & hospitality’s growth is likely fueled by the rebounding tourism industry and continued consumer spending on leisure activities.”

While some sectors are expanding, others are experiencing contraction.Manufacturing shed 7,800 jobs, trade, transportation & utilities lost 3,800 jobs, and the details sector saw a decrease of 700 jobs.

“The contraction in manufacturing could be attributed to several factors, including global supply chain disruptions and evolving automation trends,” Dr. Carter explains. “In trade, transportation & utilities, we might be seeing the effects of ongoing economic uncertainties, leading to reduced consumer spending and business investment.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Dr. Carter highlights key considerations for the North Carolina labor market:

Looking ahead, what are your thoughts on the future of these key sectors in the North Carolina economy? Are there emerging trends or challenges that you see shaping the landscape of employment in the state?

To delve deeper into these trends and gain further insights, visit the North Carolina department of Commerce website: [https://d4.nccommerce.com/](https://d4.nccommerce.com/)