Bradley Insights

Understanding and anticipating where the workforce is heading is critical for both North Carolina job seekers and employers. Trends suggest significant shifts across industries, driven by technological innovation, demographic changes, and economic climate variations. The following projections are based on an analysis of staffing agency insights and explore North Carolina’s employment outlook in several sectors. 

Industry-Specific North Carolina Employment Projections 

To understand North Carolina’s employment forecast, it’s important to consider regional opportunities, industry developments, and global trends. The staffing industry insights shared here spotlight sectors critical to North Carolina, including Engineering & Technical, Healthcare, Administrative and Office Support, Light Industrial and Manufacturing, Construction, and Finance and Accounting, while highlighting the job roles set to fuel North Carolina’s economic growth. 

 

Engineering & Technical 

Growth in the engineering and technical field is expected to keep North Carolina staffing agencies busy in the next few years. Employment in Computer and Mathematical roles, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies most technical jobs, is expected to increase by 11.9% in 2028 in North Carolina. This can be attributed in part to the region’s appeal to tech firms and startups. 

 

Fastest engineering and technical jobs in North Carolina: 

• Software Developers, Applications 
• Computer Systems Analysts 
• Biomedical Engineers 
• Civil Engineers 
• Mechanical Engineers 

 

Healthcare 

The healthcare sector, largely resilient to economic downturns, is projected to see impressive growth in North Carolina, especially for personal care aids, which are anticipated to grow by 40.1% by 2028, partly because of the needs of an aging population. Tourism, colleges and universities, and new residents moving into the state have also boosted the employment outlook for those in the healthcare field.  

Fastest growing healthcare jobs in North Carolina: 

• Registered Nurses (RNs) 
• Medical and Health Services Managers 
• Physical Therapists 
• Occupational Therapists 
• Home Health Aides 

Administrative and Office Support 

Automation has had a negative impact on administrative roles, according to the most recent North Carolina employment forecast, but demand remains high for some positions in the sector. Human Resources Specialists, for instance, are predicted to experience a 7.6% surge in employment opportunities by 2028.  

 

Fastest growing administrative and office support jobs in North Carolina: 

• Medical Secretaries 
• Customer Service Representatives 
• Human Resources Specialists 
• Accounting Clerks 
• Executive Assistants 

 

Light Industrial and Manufacturing 

 Overall, the manufacturing sector is expected to decline by 4.1% between 2018 and 2028. But the economic outlook for Machinists and Welders is much more positive. These categories are expected to see a combined average growth of over 9% in the state from 2021 to 2030. 

 

Fastest growing light industrial and manufacturing jobs in North Carolina: 

• Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers  
• Machinists 
• Assemblers and Fabricators 
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics 
• Quality Control Inspectors 

 

Construction 

In response to residential and commercial demand, Construction is expected to grow 8.80% between 2021 and 2030. Job openings for Construction Managers are anticipated to increase by 10.4%, a reflection of the region’s building and infrastructure development in the area. North Carolina construction employers frequently face shortages of qualified labor. 

 

Fastest growing constriction jobs in North Carolina: 

• Carpenters 
• Electricians 
• Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 
• Construction Laborers 
• Construction Managers 

 

Finance and Accounting 

As financial services continue to expand, North Carolina’s employment prospects in finance and accounting continue to look up. Charlotte’s place as second-largest banking hub in the United States contributes to North Carolina’s thriving finance and accounting sectors. The need for Market Analysts and related specialists is expected to increase by 12.5% by 2030. 

 

Fastest growing finance and accounting jobs in North Carolina: 

• Market Analysts 
• Financial Managers 
• Financial and Investment Analysts 
• Accountants and Auditors 
• Financial Support Systems Analysts 

 

Occupational Employment Projections in North Carolina 

North Carolina is projected to add more than 445,000 new jobs between 2021 and 2030. Employment outlook varies by sector and location, but there are other factors that bear examining. This analysis provides valuable insights into future opportunities and the skills required to align with anticipated shifts in North Carolina’s employment trends.  

 

Job Dynamics and Educational Trends 

In North Carolina, the connection between higher education and job opportunities continues to be strong. This trend reflects the state’s growing demand for advanced knowledge and skills across various industries.  

 

• Jobs that require a master’s degree are on the rise, with an expected growth rate of 13.7%. 
• In fields such as healthcare, technology, and business management, professionals with graduate degrees are often at an advantage. 
• The highest growth is seen in essential roles requiring specialized expertise. 
• North Carolina’s universities and colleges play a critical role in producing a highly skilled workforce. 

 

Targeting Fastest-Growing Occupations in North Carolina 

The service sector is projected to contribute about 88% of all net new jobs created. But Health Care & Social Assistance, the largest industry in North Carolina’s economy, is projected to add the most jobs.  

Healthcare is a leading sector for job growth in the state. Significant growth in this sector is essential to meet the medical needs of an aging population and growing overall demand. 

 

• Job growth in the healthcare sector is expected to increase by 19.7% 2030 for healthcare diagnosis and treatment practitioners. 
• Surge in demand is driving a need for doctors, nurses, and clinical technicians. 
• North Carolina’s educational institutions and training programs must deliver qualifications and competencies to meet demand. 
• Opportunities for healthcare workers seeking employment or advancing their careers continue to increase. 

 

North Carolina’s Changing Workforce Dynamics 

Shifting demographics are reflected in the changing composition of the workforce in North Carolina. Trends point to the state moving toward a knowledge-driven economy with a wide range of opportunities. 

 

• For the first time in history, there are five generations present in the modern workplace: Traditionalists (1925-1945), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), Millennials (1981-2000), and Generation Z (2001-2020). 
• Baby Boomer retirements have opened positions across sectors. 
• As Millennial and Gen Z workers dominate the workplace, they bring fresh perspectives and greater technological savviness to the job market. 
• Younger people are shaping the future of work with their different approaches to careers, work-life balance, and innovation. 
• North Carolina is adapting to a more diverse, flexible, and technologically advanced workplace. 

 

North Carolina Employment Projections by Region 

North Carolina has a varied and growing job market. Each region in North Carolina has its own unique strengths and job growth trends. These projections provide insights into where the state’s economy is heading. Below, we take a closer look at job growth in several regions of North Carolina. 

 

Charlotte, NC 

Recognized as a leading financial center, Charlotte is home to major banks and financial institutions with  

Financial Managers expecting a 15.5% increase in jobs by 2028. Charlotte is strong in other sectors, such as energy and healthcare. Also, the city’s transportation infrastructure and critical location on the East Coast attract manufacturing and logistics companies.  

 

• Charlotte is projected to add new jobs between 2021 and 2030. 
• The service-providing sector is expected to contribute significantly to job growth. 
• The Health Care & Social Assistance industry will add the most jobs, while the Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation category is projected to be the fastest-growing industry. 

 

Raleigh-Durham, NC 

Also known as the Research Triangle, the Raleigh-Durham area is a hotbed of innovation. Home to universities like Duke University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University, this region offers a well-educated workforce and cutting-edge research facilities. The Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina employment market continues to be strong. Tech jobs, especially in Software Development, are predicted to grow by 17.8% by 2028.  

 

• The service-providing sector will play a crucial role in creating new jobs. 
• Health Care & Social Assistance remains a significant contributor to employment growth. 
• Life sciences is strong in Raliegh Durum as well. 

 

Wilmington, NC 

Situated on the Atlantic Coast, Wilmington, North Carolina, is a rapidly growing city that attracts many visitors and new residents. It has also become a sought-after filming location. Growth continues in many sectors, including healthcare services, education and retail. A 9.7% rise in Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations is expected by 2030. 

 

• Wilmington is projected to see job expansion. 
• Health Care & Social Assistance will add jobs 
• Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation is projected to grow rapidly. 

 

Asheville, NC 

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a city that has experienced swift growth in recent years. Its creative economy is driven by its arts scene and entrepreneurial culture, but the biggest contributor to the impressive Asheville, North Carolina employment forecast is the growing healthcare sector. A whopping 38.7% increase in healthcare practitioners and technical occupations is projected by 2028.  

 

• Asheville is expected to gain jobs over the projection period. 
• The service-providing sector will contribute significantly to employment growth. 
• Health Care & Social Assistance remains a key industry for job creation. 

 

Partner with A North Carolina Staffing Agency for Informed Employment Insights  

For employers seeking qualified workers in North Carolina, The Bradley Group has become a trusted partner. If you’re looking for a job in the area, find out what a difference a North Carolina staffing agency can make to your search. The Bradley Group can make your search faster and more effective. Our deep roots in North Carolina give our staffing agency insights into the local job market you won’t find elsewhere. Search our current jobs to get started. 

 

If you have questions about the North Carolina employment market or need help staffing your business or finding the right job, The Bradley Group is here to help. Contact us today.