10 Major North Carolina Industries to Consider if You’re Working in or Moving to the Tar Heel State
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If you’re considering moving to the Tar Heel State, you’ll find an exciting blend of career opportunities across several thriving industries. Major industries in North Carolina drive its economy and offer diverse roles for job seekers. Whether you’re browsing homes for sale in Charlotte or apartments in Raleigh, this state has something for everyone. The combination of high job availability, a lower cost of living, and beautiful scenery makes North Carolina an attractive destination. Here’s a look at the top ten industries that make the state a hub for professionals.
North Carolina at a glance: Home prices, income, and employment
Top employers in North Carolina
State of North Carolina: 82,000 employees
Walmart: 61,600 employees
Duke University: 43,100 employees
Food Lion: 40,700 employees
Atrium Health: 37,300 employees
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10 major industries in North Carolina
1. Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
Major Employers: Biogen (location in Research Triangle Park), Labcorp (Burlington), Syngenta (locations in North Carolina)
North Carolina has earned its nickname “The Research Triangle State” thanks to its robust biotech and pharmaceutical industry. Anchored by Research Triangle Park (RTP), the region offers jobs in drug development, clinical trials, and laboratory sciences. The state boasts over 775 life sciences companies, generating over $2 billion annually. Whether you’re in research or manufacturing, there are plenty of opportunities. Homebuyers and renters are drawn to cities like Raleigh and Durham, where this sector thrives. These areas provide affordable housing options alongside access to cutting-edge science careers.
Major Employers: Red Hat (Raleigh), SAS Institute (Cary), Epic Games (Cary)
The information technology sector in North Carolina has become a magnet for tech talent. Jobs in software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity are plentiful. Raleigh’s status as one of the fastest-growing tech hubs makes it particularly attractive to homebuyers. SAS Institute, headquartered in Cary, is a global leader in analytics, while Red Hat powers the open-source software world. Those moving to cities like Cary or Chapel Hill will find a mix of suburban charm and cutting-edge innovation.
Major Employers: Bank of America (Charlotte), Truist Financial (Charlotte), Ally Financial (locations in North Carolina)
Charlotte is often considered to be the second-largest banking hub in the U.S. This dynamic industry employs tens of thousands of North Carolinians, with opportunities in investment, lending, and fintech. Bank of America, headquartered in the Queen City, leads globally in financial services, while Truist continues to grow post-merger. Job seekers in the finance sector enjoy competitive wages and benefits. The thriving financial scene contributes to Charlotte’s appeal as a top relocation choice for professionals.
Major Employers: Mountaire Farms (location in Lumber Bridge), Perdue Farms (locations in North Carolina), Smithfield Foods (Tar Heel)
North Carolina is a leader in agricultural production, with over $100 billion in annual economic output. Jobs range from farm operations to agribusiness management. Whether you’re working in poultry processing or managing crop distribution, opportunities abound in this industry. Residents benefit from fresh local produce, vibrant farmer’s markets, and sustainable farming initiatives.
Major Employers: Boeing (locations in North Carolina), Caterpillar (Clayton), Siemens (Charlotte)
Advanced manufacturing contributes heavily to North Carolina’s economy, with a strong presence in aerospace, machinery, and electronics. Jobs in precision engineering, assembly, and quality control are widely available. Siemens and Caterpillar maintain key operations in the state, while Boeing continues to expand its footprint. This industry supports stable employment and competitive wages, making North Carolina an appealing destination. Affordable housing and a skilled workforce further bolster these areas’ allure.
Major Employers: Atrium Health (Charlotte), Duke University Health System (Durham), Novant Health (Winston-Salem)
The healthcare industry provides an essential service while employing thousands across the state. From nursing and administrative roles to medical research, this sector offers something for everyone. Major health systems like Atrium Health and Duke University Health System provide world-class services and facilities. Cities like Durham are particularly attractive to renters and homebuyers due to proximity to high-quality healthcare. The demand for healthcare professionals ensures long-term job stability.
Major Employers: Great Wolf Lodge (location in Concord), Biltmore Estate (Asheville), Omni Hotels (locations in North Carolina)
Tourism is a major driver of North Carolina’s economy, generating over $35 billion in revenue in 2023. Jobs in this sector include hotel management, event planning, and tour operations. Asheville, home to the historic Biltmore Estate, combines tourism with a vibrant arts scene, making it a top choice for residents. For house-hunters considering the move, the mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities is hard to beat. Beach towns like Wilmington also benefit from this thriving industry.
Major Employers: Duke Energy (Charlotte), Siemens Energy (locations in North Carolina), Dominion Energy (locations in North Carolina)
North Carolina’s energy sector encompasses renewables, nuclear power, and energy infrastructure. Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, leads efforts in clean energy transitions. Jobs include roles in project management, electrical engineering, and renewable energy development. Raleigh and Charlotte are particularly appealing to families interested in sustainable living. Moving to the Tar Heel State gives professionals access to innovative projects and eco-friendly initiatives.
Major Employers: Old Dominion Freight Line (Thomasville), R+L Carriers (locations in North Carolina), FedEx (locations in North Carolina)
Transportation and logistics play a crucial role in keeping North Carolina’s economy moving. This industry offers jobs in freight management, truck driving, and supply chain coordination. Old Dominion Freight Line, headquartered in Thomasville, employs thousands of workers across the state. Greensboro benefits from its central location, serving as a logistics hub for major companies. For homebuyers, affordable living and proximity to job opportunities make these areas a win-win.
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10. Education and research
Major Employers: UNC System (Chapel Hill), Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem), NC State University (Raleigh)
Education is a cornerstone of North Carolina’s workforce development. The state is home to world-renowned universities and research institutions. Careers in teaching, administration, and scientific research are abundant. Cities like Chapel Hill and Raleigh attract newcomers with excellent schools and diverse cultural opportunities. Whether you’re pursuing higher education or contributing to it, North Carolina offers a wealth of options for growth and development.
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