Find a Job You Really Want In
When considering North Carolina, many people think about its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. However, the state also boasts a robust economy and a thriving job market that continues to evolve and improve.
At Zippia, we analyze local economies to identify which jobs and industries are thriving. This insight is invaluable for job seekers and those considering relocating to North Carolina, providing a clear picture of the local employment landscape.
In this article, we explore the top industries in North Carolina for 2026.
After analyzing the latest data, we’ve identified the five best industries for jobs in North Carolina:
Read on to discover how we determined which industries excel in North Carolina.
If you’re interested in learning more about the job market in North Carolina, check out the following articles:
- Top 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Charlotte
- 20 Best Companies to Work for in Raleigh, NC
- 20 Best Companies to Work for in Charlotte, NC
How We Determined the Best Industries in North Carolina for Jobs
We rely on data to inform our decisions and insights, minimizing the impact of subjective opinions. Our team gathered extensive data on the North Carolina job market to identify the leading industries.
We evaluated industries based on the following criteria:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level of Jobs in the Industry
Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Stress levels were assessed through self-reported statistics from professionals in various fields. Each industry was ranked from 1 to 20, with 1 representing the best conditions.
To create a comprehensive ‘Best Industry’ index, we averaged the rankings. The Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry emerged as the top sector for job seekers in North Carolina.
For a detailed overview of the data, check the table below and continue reading to understand the strengths of these industries.
Comprehensive List of the Best Industries in North Carolina
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $74,760 |
| 2 | Computer and Mathematical | $84,280 |
| 3 | Education, Training, and Library | $48,330 |
| 4 | Production and Manufacturing | $33,930 |
| 5 | Architecture and Engineering | $77,210 |
| 6 | Business and Financial Operations | $72,410 |
| 7 | Office and Administrative Support | $34,700 |
| 8 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $44,260 |
| 9 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $67,740 |
| 10 | Transportation | $31,940 |
| 11 | Sales | $39,760 |
| 12 | Healthcare Support | $26,610 |
| 13 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $52,760 |
| 14 | Community and Social Service | $43,960 |
| 15 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $21,240 |
| 16 | Protective Service | $36,580 |
| 17 | Construction and Extraction | $38,660 |
| 18 | Personal Care and Service | $24,910 |
| 19 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $24,580 |
| 20 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $31,200 |
Recap of the Best Industries in North Carolina
In summary, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry stands out as the best sector for employment opportunities in North Carolina.
Conversely, the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry industry ranks lower primarily due to lower wages and limited job availability.
For further insights, check out these articles:
- Explore the 100 Lowest Paying Jobs in North Carolina
- Discover the 10 Best Cities in North Carolina for Job Seekers
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
