Governor Josh Stein announced recently that North Carolina has been ranked the #1 state in the country for workforce development by Site Selection magazine. The 2026 ranking places North Carolina at the top of the list, followed by Utah and Illinois.
The top-tier ranking comes on the heels of a record-breaking year for the state’s economy. In 2025, North Carolina saw more than $24 billion in new capital investments and the announcement of over 35,000 new jobs—the strongest year for job growth in state history.
Governor Stein celebrated the achievement during a visit to Machine Specialties Inc. (MSI) in Whitsett, an advanced manufacturing firm where nearly a third of the staff are current or former apprentices.
“North Carolina’s strength is our people,” Governor Stein said. “We are already the top state for business; now we are the top state for workforce. We must continue to invest in our people and expand pathways that prepare them for the career opportunities being built here.”
Site Selection magazine’s methodology evaluates states based on labor productivity and the percentage of the workforce holding professional credentials and degrees. Officials credited the state’s success to a highly coordinated “workforce ecosystem” that aligns K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities with the specific needs of local industries.
Key initiatives contributing to the #1 ranking include:
The Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships: A new advisory body that recently recommended 30 strategic goals to expand work-based learning.
Expanded Apprenticeships: A new policy requiring local workforce boards to dedicate at least 6% of federal funds to apprenticeship programs.
Support for Veterans and Reentry: Targeted programs to help military families and formerly incarcerated individuals transition into high-demand careers.
“Workforce development is economic development,” said Senator Eddie Settle, co-chair of the Governor’s Council. “This ranking confirms we are moving in the right direction by focusing on practical, results-driven strategies.”
State leaders emphasized that while the ranking is a milestone, the focus remains on long-term growth, with a goal of having the best public school system in the nation by 2030 to sustain the talent pipeline.
