News Summary
A recent survey highlights eight North Carolina companies making the list of top U.S. employers for tech professionals. This recognition reflects workplace satisfaction and growth opportunities, placing North Carolina as a significant tech industry hub.
Charlotte, North Carolina—Eight North Carolina Companies Named Among Top U.S. Employers for Tech Workers
In a recent report, eight companies headquartered in North Carolina have been recognized among the top 300 U.S. employers for technology professionals. The ranking was compiled based on a comprehensive survey that aimed to understand the preferences and experiences of over 25,000 tech workers across the nation, with a particular focus on large organizations with at least 1,000 employees.
Methodology and Criteria
The survey gathered information from workers employed in various technology and IT roles, including software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, and technical support. Participants evaluated their employers based on several key factors: their willingness to recommend their company to others, salary competitiveness, opportunities for professional growth, workplace flexibility, and the environment for sharing ideas and opinions.
To ensure recent and relevant feedback, the survey weighted responses from current employees more heavily than those from former or never-employed respondents. This methodology aimed to produce an accurate reflection of the present employee experience at these firms.
North Carolina Companies on the List
Among the top-ranking companies are Labcorp, situated within Durham County, and Lenovo, based in Wake County. These organizations are notable not only for their size but also for their reputation within the tech industry and the broader list of leading employers nationwide. Lenovo, for example, is a significant player in the region’s tech landscape, though recent announcements indicate plans to reduce its U.S. workforce by 3%, which will affect employees in the Triangle area.
Several North Carolina-based firms also earned recognition on a separate list of the state’s best places to work, highlighting their appeal in attracting and retaining tech talent locally.
State of the Tech Industry in North Carolina
The North Carolina tech sector remains a robust economic force. According to a recent report from the NC TECH Association, the industry employs approximately 323,199 workers, representing about 6.7% of the total workforce in the state. Over the past five years, the state’s tech industry has experienced substantial growth, totaling an 18.8% increase. This positions North Carolina as the eighth-fastest-growing tech market in the country.
Most notably, North Carolina has become a magnet for domestic migration, foreign investment, and new startups, largely due to its lower cost of living and business-friendly environment. The industry has also seen a significant rise in employment opportunities, with nearly 51,248 new tech jobs created over five years. These gains rank second in employment growth by sector, just behind finance and insurance, which added 55,065 jobs during the same period.
Gender diversity within the state’s tech workforce is also notable, with approximately 39% of tech professionals being female—making North Carolina the leading state nationwide for gender diversity in technology occupations. The tech sector comprises roughly 34,342 establishments, accounting for about 9.2% of all business establishments in the state.
Economic Impact and Market Dynamics
The tech industry contributes considerably to the North Carolina economy, generating nearly $42 million in earnings, which represents 12% of the state’s total earnings from all sectors. Sector sales total approximately $130.2 million, accounting for 11.6% of the state’s overall sales volume.
Major companies like Cognizant Technology Solutions have recently garnered approval to expand their local workforce. The company, a Fortune 500 firm based in New Jersey, plans to hire 500 remote workers across North Carolina, moving beyond previous restrictions that limited hiring to Mecklenburg County. This follows Cognizant’s earlier withdrawal from a grant agreement due to unmet job creation targets in Charlotte. Currently, the company employs around 1,900 people in North Carolina, out of a total workforce of over 336,800 globally, with last year’s revenues approaching $20 billion.
Talent and Policy Challenges
Nonetheless, the future of the state’s tech industry faces potential challenges, particularly concerning skilled immigrant labor access. The debate over H1B visas—a primary pathway for foreign workers with specialized skills—continues to influence tech firms’ talent acquisition strategies. Proposed limitations or reforms to these visas could hinder North Carolina’s ability to attract and retain foreign-born technically skilled professionals, which could impact growth and innovation in the region’s tech sectors.
Summary
Overall, North Carolina maintains a strong position in the U.S. tech industry, marked by impressive employment growth, high diversity, and recognition among top employers. The state’s strategic advantages, combined with ongoing developments within major companies, underscore its significance as a technology hub—though future policy changes around immigration and workforce development remain areas to monitor.
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Additional Resources
- News Observer
- Wikipedia: North Carolina
- Wilmington Biz
- Google Search: North Carolina tech industry
- Business North Carolina
- Google Scholar: North Carolina tech jobs
- ABC 11
- Encyclopedia Britannica: H-1B visas
- Charlotte Observer
- Google News: North Carolina tech
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
