Charlotte, North Carolina, February 18, 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina has seen remarkable job growth, adding 37,600 nonfarm payroll jobs, ranking second in the nation for total job creation. This growth rate of 2.7% significantly outpaces larger metropolitan areas. Despite national trends showing slower job growth, Charlotte’s economy remains resilient, bolstered by corporate expansions and an influx of new residents. Key companies, including Scout Motors and Daimler Truck North America, have announced significant job additions, underpinning Charlotte’s status as a thriving economic hub.
Charlotte Leads National Job Growth Surge in 2025 Amidst Economic Shifts
Charlotte, North Carolina – Recent federal data reveals that Charlotte experienced remarkable job growth in 2025, adding 37,600 nonfarm payroll jobs and securing the second-highest spot nationwide for total job creation. This significant increase places the Charlotte metropolitan area just behind New York City, which recorded 48,400 new jobs during the same period. The city’s robust performance is particularly noteworthy given a national trend of slower job growth and rising unemployment rates across many parts of the United States.
Charlotte’s High Growth Rate Outpaces Larger Metros
Despite being approximately one-seventh the size of the New York City metro region by population, Charlotte’s job growth rate far surpassed that of the nation’s largest urban center. The Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia metro area achieved a 2.7% annual jump in nonfarm payroll jobs, the highest growth rate among major metropolitan areas with populations exceeding 1 million. In contrast, New York City saw a 0.5% gain.
This impressive growth rate highlights Charlotte’s increasing economic vitality, especially when compared to its population ranking of about 21st nationally. The region’s 37,600 new jobs in 2025 represented a substantial portion of total national job growth, particularly as revised federal figures indicated a much weaker national job creation for 2024–2025, falling from an initial estimate of 584,000 to just 181,000. Against this backdrop, Charlotte’s contribution is exceptionally significant, accounting for an estimated 44.3% of North Carolina’s total job growth over the preceding 12 months.
Key Drivers and Industry Expansions
The strong job market in Charlotte is attributed to a combination of factors, including targeted corporate investments and a favorable environment for talent attraction. Several major companies announced expansions and new projects in the region in 2025. For instance, Scout Motors is projected to create over 1,200 jobs over the next five years, while Daimler Truck North America is adding more than 270 positions. These expansions span various sectors, reflecting a diversified economic base. The civilian labor force in the Charlotte area now exceeds 1.5 million workers, underpinning its role as a significant economic hub.
North Carolina as a whole has seen considerable demographic shifts contributing to Charlotte’s success. From July 2024 through July 2025, North Carolina led the nation in domestic migration, experiencing a net gain of more than 84,000 residents from other states. This influx of new talent and residents creates a “magnet effect,” where businesses and individuals are drawn to the region, creating a positive feedback loop for economic growth. This sustained population inflow helps fuel demand across various sectors, including real estate, banking, healthcare, and hospitality, solidifying Charlotte’s position as a standout growth market in the Southeast.
Broader Economic Context and Outlook
The positive employment figures in Charlotte come at a time when the national unemployment rate climbed to 4.1% over the past year, with approximately 255 out of 387 metropolitan areas reporting higher jobless rates. Despite this nationwide increase in unemployment, Charlotte’s regional unemployment rate actually declined to 3.6% in December 2025, a decrease from 4.2% in November. This indicates a resilient and expanding local economy that is largely defying broader national challenges.
Charlotte’s sustained growth is also linked to its ability to attract and retain high-paying office jobs, which subsequently stimulate growth in related sectors such as housing, construction, retail, and hospitality. The city consistently ranks among the top three nationally for office leasing and absorption year after year, further demonstrating its appeal to businesses. The state-level economic outlook for North Carolina also remains strong, with projections for 2026 including a 3.0% increase in Gross Domestic Product and a 1.6% growth in employment. In 2025, the state was expected to have added 72,300 net jobs, representing a 1.4% increase in establishment employment. Charlotte’s performance is a key component of this statewide momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many jobs did Charlotte add in 2025?
A: Charlotte added 37,600 nonfarm payroll jobs in 2025.
Q: How did Charlotte rank nationally for job growth in 2025?
A: Charlotte ranked second in the nation for total job growth in 2025, trailing only New York City.
Q: What was New York City’s job growth in 2025?
A: New York City added 48,400 jobs in 2025.
Q: What was Charlotte’s job growth rate in 2025 compared to New York City’s?
A: Charlotte’s metro area posted a 2.7% annual jump in nonfarm payroll jobs, while New York City saw a 0.5% gain. Charlotte’s rate was the highest among major metro areas with populations over 1 million.
Q: Did Charlotte create more jobs than other major U.S. cities in 2025?
A: Yes, Charlotte created more jobs than 44 states in 202 nation. Only five major metro areas reported significant increases, with Philadelphia ranking third.
Q: What was the national unemployment rate in 2025?
A: The national unemployment rate climbed to 4.1% over the past year (2025).
Q: What was Charlotte’s unemployment rate in December 2025?
A: The Charlotte region’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.6% in December 2025, down from 4.2% in November.
Q: What are some factors contributing to Charlotte’s job growth?
A: Factors include corporate expansions, such as Scout Motors creating over 1,200 jobs and Daimler Truck North America adding over 270 positions, and North Carolina leading the nation in domestic migration. High-paying office jobs also trigger growth in housing, construction, retail, and hospitality.
Key Features of Charlotte’s 2025 Job Market Performance
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Total Jobs Added in 2025 | 37,600 nonfarm payroll jobs | Charlotte Metro Area |
| National Ranking for Total Job Growth | 2nd (trails only New York City) | Nationwide |
| Charlotte’s Annual Job Growth Rate | 2.7% (highest among major metros over 1M population) | Charlotte Metro Area |
| New York City’s Jobs Added in 2025 | 48,400 positions | New York City Metro Area |
| National Unemployment Rate in 2025 | Climbed to 4.1% | Nationwide |
| Charlotte’s Unemployment Rate (Dec 2025) | 3.6% (down from 4.2% in Nov 2025) | Charlotte Metro Area |
| Contribution to State Job Growth | Estimated 44.3% of North Carolina’s job growth | State-level (North Carolina) |
| Key Company Expansions | Scout Motors (>1,200 jobs), Daimler Truck North America (>270 jobs) | Charlotte Metro Area |
| Domestic Migration to North Carolina (July 2024-July 2025) | Net gain of over 84,000 residents (led the nation) | State-level (North Carolina) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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