Employment

INDUSTRY

Over the past 20 years, North Carolina has transitioned from a traditional economy based on tobacco, furniture and textiles to a global economy that is driven by knowledge-based enterprises, including advanced manufacturing, software and information technology, bio-pharmaceuticals and financial services. The Rocky Mount area continues to attract many of these new and technologically advanced industries. However, older, established industries, including textiles and agriculture, continue to thrive in the area. Agriculture contributes greatly to the area's economy, especially tobacco. The area is also a top producer of cucumbers, sweet potatoes, poultry, peanuts, cotton and hogs.

Financial institutions have also become a vital part of North Carolina, specifically the Rocky Mount area. Seven financial institutions have offices in the area. This also makes the area attractive to business and industry.

Industrial Composition - Rocky Mount MSA

Source: Quarterly Census Employment & Wages (QCEW), North Carolina Employment Security Commission

Largest Employers - Rocky Mount MSA

Source: QCEW Largest Employers, North Carolina Employment Security Commission
Most Recent Information - Nash County
Most Recent Information - Edgecombe County

Incentive Information
The City works with several groups, including Carolinas Gateway Partnership, Golden Leaf Foundation, and the North Carolina Rural Center, to secure incentive funding for businesses interested in locating operations in Rocky Mount. For more information, contact Carolinas Gateway Partnership.

Information on State incentives is also available from the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

LABOR FORCE

The Rocky Mount area possesses a workforce of approximately 135,000 individuals capable of achieving extraordinary results for any industry. Our close proximity to Raleigh/Durham and Greenville often brings those working in these areas to Rocky Mount for our quiet lifestyle setting. These same transplants soon learn how they can enjoy the tranquility of our community while staying close to home, either working for an existing business or venturing out on their own.

Source: Labor Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS), NC Employment Security Commission

WAGES

Rocky Mount has an available workforce for businesses of any size or composition. Local wages are very competitive, while our low comparable cost of living enables local workers retain their purchasing power over time.

Source: Quarterly Census Employment & Wages (QCEW), NC Employment Security Commission