North Carolina is where innovation meets tradition.

With over 467,000 manufacturing jobs and more than $104 billion in annual output, the Tar Heel State ranks #1 among Southeastern states for manufacturing and was named the 2024 Best State for Manufacturing by Site Selection Group.

Why North Carolina Manufacturing?

World-Class Research & Development

Home to the Research Triangle Park and leading universities, North Carolina transforms innovation into production. Our pharmaceutical and biotech sectors lead the nation.

Skilled Workforce Pipeline

The nation's largest community college system partners directly with manufacturers, ensuring workers have the skills employers need — today and tomorrow.

Strategic East Coast Location

Access to major ports, interstate highways, and rail networks means your products reach markets faster. Plus, we're within a day's drive of 50% of the U.S. population.

Why North Carolina Manufacturing?

World-Class Research & Development

Home to the Research Triangle Park and leading universities, North Carolina transforms innovation into production. Our pharmaceutical and biotech sectors lead the nation.

Skilled Workforce Pipeline

The nation's largest community college system partners directly with manufacturers, ensuring workers have the skills employers need — today and tomorrow.

Strategic East Coast Location

Access to major ports, interstate highways, and rail networks means your products reach markets faster. Plus, we're within a day's drive of 50% of the U.S. population.

Why North Carolina Manufacturing?

World-Class Research & Development

Home to the Research Triangle Park and leading universities, North Carolina transforms innovation into production. Our pharmaceutical and biotech sectors lead the nation.

Skilled Workforce Pipeline

The nation's largest community college system partners directly with manufacturers, ensuring workers have the skills employers need — today and tomorrow.

Strategic East Coast Location

Access to major ports, interstate highways, and rail networks means your products reach markets faster. Plus, we're within a day's drive of 50% of the U.S. population.

#1 in the Southeast for Manufacturing Workforce

North Carolina manufacturing continues to lead — driven by innovation, world-class research institutions, and strategic location. Companies across pharmaceuticals, aerospace, automotive, and advanced materials are investing in North Carolina, creating new jobs and opportunities every year.

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$108B+

Annual manufacturing output driving North Carolina's economy

467K+

North Carolinians employed across manufacturing industries

11,500+

Manufacturing firms operating statewide

Career Pathways That Pay

Whether you're starting fresh or advancing your career, North Carolina manufacturing offers competitive wages and room to grow:

Career Path

Entry-Level Roles

Mid-Career

Senior/Specialized

Production & Assembly

$17-20/hour

$22-28/hour

$30-38/hour

Quality & Inspection

$18-22/hour

$25-32/hour

$35-45/hour

Maintenance & Repair

$20-25/hour

$28-35/hour

$38-50/hour

Engineering & Design

$55K-70K/year

5.9$80K-105K/year

$110K-140K/year

Management & Operations

$60K-75K/year

$85K-120K/year

$125K-180K/year

Key Manufacturing Sectors in North Carolina

Key manufacturing sectors that drive innovation, investment, and workforce demand in North Carolina

Pharmaceuticals & Biomanufacturing

Ranked 3rd nationally in life sciences growth with 75,000+ professionals and $15B in recent investments from Novo Nordisk, FUJIFILM Diosynth, and Amgen. We're producing next-generation medicines, gene therapies, and biologics.

Technician Role Guides

Furniture Manufacturing

The "Furniture Capital of the World" with 850+ manufacturers and 30,000+ skilled workers. Home to High Point Market, the world's largest furnishings trade show attracting 75,000+ buyers twice annually.

Technician Role Guides

Electronics & Semiconductor

110+ companies with $600M+ in CHIPS Act investments. Wolfspeed leads in silicon carbide for EVs, while Spruce Pine quartz mines supply the world's semiconductor industry.

Technician Role Guides

Biotechnology & Life Sciences

840 biotech companies pioneering agricultural biotech, medical devices, and contract research. Research Triangle Park hosts gene therapy leaders and CDMO facilities transforming breakthrough science into products.

Technician Role Guides