Jobs Available in North Carolina: Career Opportunities Guide

_{September 4, 2025 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Careers}

What jobs are available in North Carolina? Learn about the jobs available in North Carolina across industries such as healthcare, technology, and education. This guide provides job seekers with insights on top employers, hiring trends, and career opportunities in the state.

Table of Contents

What jobs are available in North Carolina?

Here’s a comprehensive guide to jobs available in North Carolina, spotlighting major industries, in-demand roles, and upcoming opportunities:

1. Key Industries & Major Employers in North Carolina

North Carolina’s economy has diversified far beyond textiles and tobacco. Key sectors today include:

Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals: Centered in the Research Triangle Park (RTP) with companies like Novo Nordisk, Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pfizer driving innovation and manufacturing.
Information Technology & Software: Tech giants like IBM, Cisco, SAS, Red Hat, and others have hubs here. The IT sector is among the fastest-growing in the US.
Aerospace & Defense: Companies such as Honda Jet, GE Aviation, and Lockheed Martin have operations in the state.
Automotive & Heavy Machinery: Home to Freightliner, Caterpillar, and others—top-10 state for automotive employment.
Financial & Business Services: Charlotte is the third-largest financial hub in the U.S., with Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and others.
Energy & Renewables: Strong presence with Duke Energy and many energy contractors; research and development in nuclear, cleantech, and smart grids.
Manufacturing & Advanced Manufacturing: NC remains a manufacturing powerhouse—especially in furniture, food processing, plastics, chemicals—with wages above state averages.
Tourism & Hospitality: A top-10 most visited state, supporting substantial tourism-related employment.
Research Triangle Park (RTP): A powerhouse cluster of R&D with 160+ companies employing over 50,000, including IBM, Cisco, GSK, Biogen, and Novo Nordisk.

2. Fast-Growing & High-Demand Roles

By Growth Rate & High Wages (2021–2030 projections):

Nurse Practitioners (~ 4.3% annual growth)
Statisticians (~ 4.0%)
Data Scientists (~ 3.9%)
Information Security Analysts, Web Developers, Software Developers, Medical & Health Services Managers

Top Roles by Projected Number of Openings (2021–2030):

Cooks
Software Developers (Applications)
Home Health Aides
Laborers/Material Handlers
Registered Nurses
Operations Managers
Fast Food Workers, Truck Drivers, Nursing Assistants

Emerging High Growth Occupations (Zippia, 2024):

Statisticians (145% growth)
Nurse Practitioners
Occupational/Physical Therapist Assistants
Physician Assistants
Web Developers
Sonographers, Phlebotomists, Vet Technicians

Other Growing Fields by Sector (2028 projections):

Tech & Engineering: Software Developers, Systems Analysts, Biomedical, Civil, Mechanical Engineers
Healthcare: RNs, Health Services Managers, Physical & Occupational Therapists, Home Health Aides (notably ~ 40% growth)
Admin & Office Support: HR Specialists, Medical Secretaries, Customer Service, Accounting Clerks
Light Industrial & Manufacturing: Welders, Machinists, Assemblers, Mechanics, Quality Inspectors (~ 9% growth)
Construction: Construction Managers, Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters (~ 8.8% growth)
Finance & Accounting: Market Analysts, Financial Managers, Accountants, Fintech roles (e.g. Analysts, Investment Analysts)

3. Big Investment Projects & Emerging Job Hubs

Amazon is investing $10 billion in Richmond County for a data center and AI campus, expected to create at least 500 high-skilled jobs (engineers, network specialists) plus many more via construction and supply chains.
BuildOps is building a $1 billion tech hub in Raleigh with 291 jobs, average salary around $111,000.
Raleigh ranked the top U.S. city for job opportunities and earning potential, thanks to its thriving tech and life sciences sectors.
Novo Nordisk plans a $4.1 billion life sciences facility in Johnston County, creating 1,000 new jobs.
Lowe’s offers corporate, finance, and tech roles (AI, data science, UX) in its NC campuses near Charlotte and Mooresville.

4. Snapshot Table for Quick Reference

Sector / Role	Key Details & Examples
Biotech / Pharma	RTP, Novo Nordisk, Merck; high-growth R&D & manufacturing roles
IT & Software	Tech giants, RTP, BuildOps hub; roles in cybersecurity, data science, dev
Healthcare	RNs, NPs, therapists, home health; strong aging demographic demand
Finance / Fintech	Charlotte and beyond—banking, analysis, accounting, fintech startups
Engineering & Aerospace	Jobs in traditional and advanced engineering fields (civil, mechanical, biomedical)
Manufacturing / Construction	Skilled trades (welding, carpentry), managers, technicians
Service & Entry-Level	Food service, caregiving, retail—consistent high openings, lower education thresholds
Energy & Logistics	Energy sector roles in Charlotte, freight & logistics careers
Remote / Digital	Telehealth, e-learning, customer service, remote finance opportunities expanding statewide

What Jobs Are Available in North Carolina?

North Carolina has a diverse and dynamic job market with a strong presence in several key sectors. While the types of jobs available are vast, some of the most prominent industries include:

Technology: Often referred to as "The Research Triangle," the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area is a hub for technology and life sciences. Job opportunities range from software development and data analytics to biotech research and IT support.
Healthcare: With a large number of hospitals, clinics, and research institutions, the healthcare sector is a major employer. Roles include doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and administrative staff.
Manufacturing: From advanced manufacturing to textiles, the state has a long history in this industry. Modern roles often involve engineering, logistics, and skilled labor.
Finance: Charlotte is a major financial center, offering opportunities in banking, wealth management, and corporate finance.

How to Search for Jobs in North Carolina?

An effective job search requires a multi-pronged approach. You can find opportunities through a combination of online and in-person methods:

Online Job Boards: Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are excellent places to start. You can filter your search by location (e.g., Raleigh, Charlotte, Asheville) and industry.
Company Websites: Many companies post openings directly on their own career pages. If you have specific companies in mind, be sure to check their sites regularly.
Professional Networking: Attending local industry events, joining professional organizations, or connecting with people on LinkedIn can open doors to unadvertised positions.
University Career Services: If you are a student or recent graduate, your university's career services office is a valuable resource for local job postings and networking events.

Which Industries Are Growing in North Carolina?

North Carolina's economy is experiencing significant growth, particularly in the following sectors:

Technology: The tech sector continues to expand beyond the Research Triangle, with new startups and established companies opening offices across the state.
Life Sciences: This industry, which includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and biotechnology, is a major driver of economic growth.
Clean Energy: The state is becoming a leader in solar energy and other renewable sources, creating jobs in engineering, installation, and manufacturing.
Hospitality and Tourism: With its mix of mountains, beaches, and vibrant cities, North Carolina's tourism industry is consistently growing, providing numerous jobs in hotels, restaurants, and entertainment.

What Are the Salary Ranges for Popular Jobs in NC?

Salary ranges in North Carolina vary widely based on the city, industry, and level of experience. For instance, a tech job in Raleigh will likely have a different salary range than a similar role in a smaller city. To get an accurate idea of salary expectations for your specific field and location, you should use resources like:

Online Salary Calculators: Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn's Salary tool can provide detailed salary information based on your job title and location.
Professional Organizations: Industry-specific associations often publish salary guides or conduct surveys of their members.
Networking: Speaking with people who work in your desired field can give you valuable insight into compensation.

How to Apply for Jobs in North Carolina Efficiently?

Applying for jobs can be time-consuming, so it's important to be strategic and efficient.

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Don't use a generic application. Customize your resume to highlight skills and experiences that are relevant to each specific job description. Your cover letter should explain why you are a great fit for that company and role.
Practice for Interviews: Prepare for interviews by researching the company and the position. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs.
Follow Up: After applying or interviewing, send a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest and thank the person for their time.
Manage Your Time: Create a schedule for your job search activities. Set aside dedicated time each week for searching, applying, and networking to ensure you stay on track.