NC Labor & Economic Analysis Division (LEAD)

LEAD is hiring! We're looking for a Social Research Specialist II to provide support on key BLS programs. In this role, you'll collect, process, & analyze data that informs workforce decisions across the state. Applications close this Friday, 3/20! nc.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/NC_Caree…

Browse our latest #LEADFeed articles featuring expert analysis on NC's economic trends, workforce developments, & labor market insights!

Did you know that nearly 3 out of every 4 working-age immigrants in North Carolina were participating in the labor force in 2025? Immigrant labor force participation continues to outpace native-born participation by a substantial margin: commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-…

While the total number of bachelor’s degree recipients from the UNC system has risen since 2003, a shrinking share is choosing to major in education. Check out full story for more information: commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-…

North Carolina experienced a notable increase in immigration in 2023 and 2024 followed by a slowdown in 2025. How have these large changes in immigration affected the state’s labor market? We dug into the latest data to find out: commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-…

Don't forget to join today's LMI Tuesday! Get highlights from the latest statewide and regional employment projections covering 2024-2034. Learn more: commerce.nc.gov/lmi-tuesdays

Whether you're considering a career change or starting a business, understanding the state's licensing requirements is essential. Learn about the North Carolina Business and Occupational License Database (NC BOLD) in our latest #LEADFeed: commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-…

The 2025 quarter three data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) is live! Get updated numbers on the establishments, average employment, total wages, and average weekly wage across North Carolina. Explore the #data: d4.nccommerce.com/?q=3RMJ

Join us on March 3 for our next LMI Tuesday! We'll be sharing highlights from the latest employment projections from 2024-2034. Learn more: commerce.nc.gov/lmi-tuesdays

The 2026 LAUS and CES release schedule is out! See when the US, North Carolina, and local area data will be published: d4.nccommerce.com/Calendar.aspx

To better understand local economic performance in NC, LEAD developed an index to measure economic outcomes across the 100 counties. In our latest #LEADFeed, we share 10 initial insights from the new County Economic Vitality Index: commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-…

Our friends at @CareersInNC invite you to attend "NCcareers 101: Get to Know #NCcareers" on Tuesday, March 10, at 11 AM! Educators, counselors, workforce professionals, students & jobseekers are welcome! #NCWorks @7a7681dc-b9d0-449a-85c3-ecc26cd7ed19" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/b4368753…

How is my county doing economically? Our new County Economic Vitality Index provides a transparent measure of county economic performance using four key indicators: Unemployment, Wages, Income, and Education. Learn how it works in our latest blog: commerce.nc.gov/news/the-lead-…

Don't miss our next LMI Tuesday today at 11:30am! Learn more: commerce.nc.gov/lmi-tuesdays

Join us for our next LMI Tuesday on 2/17 at 11:30am! We'll be covering recent LEAD Feed articles examining manufacturing in NC. Learn more: commerce.nc.gov/lmi-tuesdays

Jamie Vaughn of LEAD reported on the award-winning, nationally recognized NCcareers platform to the Governor’s Council on Workforce & Apprenticeships today. Check it out at nccareers.org #WorkforceWednesday

It's not too late to register! Join myFutureNC on February 12th at 3 PM ET for The State of Educational Attainment in North Carolina and learn how our progress toward 2 million by 2030 connects directly to workforce needs — and what leaders can do next: myfuturenc.org/2026-state-of-…

Check out our latest LEADing News newsletter! This edition highlights the December 2025 county unemployment estimates and features updates on the Employer Needs Survey, Star Jobs methodology, and NCBOLD license data collection: icont.ac/51dHa

NCcareers hits 1 MILLION users in 12 months! Read more about this big milestone:

Check out the new multiple assessments filter on NCcareers.org!