News & Media

Charlotte Region’s Workforce: A Talent Powerhouse Poised To Lead The Future

By CLT Alliance Staff, Charlotte Business Journal 

In the heart of the Charlotte Region, a vibrant and skilled workforce stands as the backbone of its economy. With a populace of 2.9 million, there is a diverse array of educational accomplishments and specialized skills that align seamlessly with the sectors driving its growth.

Finance experts, innovative tech minds, and manufacturing specialists comprise the human capital that fuels the economy. With more than 25% of the population holding at least a bachelor’s degree, the talent pool here is not only deep, but also exceptionally equipped to meet the complex demands of today’s burgeoning market.

The Charlotte Region continues to serve as a strong magnet for talent. According to research by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, 117 people move into the region every day. Based on a survey done in conjunction with the Charlotte Business Journal, 64% of respondents rate Charlotte’s ability to attract top workforce talent as an 8 or higher (max score of 10). Big factors that contribute to that strength include the region’s quality of life, job opportunities, and economic stability.

Top talent attracts even more talent. In the talent recruitment category of the survey, 56% of respondents find employee referrals are very or extremely effective channels. Comparatively, Charlotte’s ability to attract top talent ranks higher than some competing markets, including Atlanta and Nashville. Additionally, the region’s many firms can provide work-life integration, a positive work culture, and competitive compensation and benefits, which are also the top three reasons why the region is capable of retaining top talent.

Skills-based hiring: A growing trend

Organizations today are increasingly turning towards skills-based hiring, and the Charlotte Region is well-prepared to supply the talent needed. According to LinkedIn’s 2024 report on the most in-demand skills, employers are looking for a mixture of both soft and hard skills. When comparing the region’s most common skills sets, it’s clear the region can provide both types of skills. The top skills broadly include customer service, leadership and management, analytics, sales, and problem-solving — all of which are abundantly represented within the local labor force.

“As the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States, we are proud to be part of the Charlotte Region’s dynamic workforce,” Todd Miller, vice president of organizational capability at Coca-Cola Consolidated, said. “Coca-Cola Consolidated teammates embody the region’s spirit of innovation and excellence, driving our work to refresh and inspire in the communities where we do business. The diverse skill sets, and strong educational background of our teammates are key to our success and our ability to adapt to ever-evolving market demands.”

A snapshot of key skills in the Charlotte Region

The diversity and depth of skills in the Charlotte workforce are impressive. For instance, there are more than 157,000 professionals skilled in operations, ensuring that businesses run smoothly and efficiently. Analytical skills, crucial for data-driven decision-making, are held by more than 90,000 professionals, highlighting the region’s strength in interpreting complex data to drive strategic initiatives. Moreover, the workforce includes more than 89,000 experts in manufacturing process improvement, demonstrating a commitment to optimizing production and operational efficiency.

The finance sector is also well represented, with more than 85,000 professionals, reflecting the region’s prominence in financial services, banking, and insurance industries. Engineering talent is equally robust, with more than 79,000 professionals contributing to advancements in technology and infrastructure. This array of skills not only supports a wide range of industries, but also ensures that the Charlotte Region remains competitive and innovative.

The most common skills held by the region’s labor force can be grouped into broader categories that mirror the needs of modern enterprises:

  • Business and Administration: Operations, managing accounts, customer relationship management
  • Finance and Accounting: Financial services, insurance, banking
  • Engineering and Manufacturing: Manufacturing process improvement, engineering
  • Data and Analytics: Analytical skills, data entry and analysis, SQL, business analysis

These categories underscore a balanced and comprehensive talent pool, ready to tackle multifaceted business challenges. Meanwhile, the region has seen remarkable growth in several high-demand areas over the past year, reflecting a dynamic and evolving workforce:

  • Data analytics skills have surged by 40%, emphasizing the increasing importance of data-driven decision-making in business strategies.
  • Operations skills have seen an astounding 111% growth, underscoring the region’s focus on efficiency and streamlined processes.
  • Customer relationship management skills have grown by 26%, highlighting the emphasis on maintaining strong client connections and enhancing customer satisfaction.
  • Sales process skills have also grown by 22.3%, indicating a robust sales force capable of driving revenue and business development.

These growth trends demonstrate the region’s ability to adapt to changing market demands and its commitment to continuous professional development.

Educational backbone

Supporting this strong skill set are the top degrees held by professionals in the region, providing a solid educational foundation that enhances the workforce’s capabilities.

More than 87,000 professionals hold degrees in business administration and management, equipping them with the knowledge to lead and manage effectively in various business environments. Computer science degrees are held by more than 32,000 individuals, reflecting the region’s strength in technology and IT sectors. The finance sector benefits from more than 28,000 degree holders, reinforcing Charlotte’s reputation as a financial hub. Additionally, there are more than 18,000 degree holders in economics and more than 24,000 in electrical and mechanical engineering, further highlighting the diversity and depth of expertise available in the region. These educational qualifications ensure a pipeline of knowledgeable and capable professionals ready to drive innovation and growth.

“At UNC Charlotte, we are proud to contribute to the Charlotte Region’s thriving talent pipeline by producing dynamic, talented, and highly educated graduates,” UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber said. “With over 31,000 students, more than 60% of our graduates each year choose to stay in Charlotte, enriching the local workforce and building their futures here. Complementing the region’s diverse talent, our groundbreaking research in energy, bioinformatics, engineering, and advanced manufacturing drives innovation, new discoveries, and the growth of start-ups. Together, we are shaping a vibrant and forward-looking economy.”

Well-equipped to support the current and future needs of companies

The Charlotte Region is a talent-rich area, well-equipped to support the current and future needs of companies. With a strong labor force, a diverse skill set, and a commitment to continuous growth and education, Charlotte is not just ready for the future — it’s poised to lead it. Whether it’s in operations, finance, engineering, or data analytics, the region’s workforce stands out as a driving force in today’s competitive market.

The Charlotte Region is building the workforce of tomorrow, today. To learn more about talent trends in the region, visit charlotteregion.com.

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance is the only regional economic development organization that grows the economy, advocates for business, and convenes diverse stakeholders for the City of Charlotte and the 14-county, bi-state region. Our mission is to enthusiastically collaborate to promote and advance the Charlotte Region, creating opportunity, economic growth, and prosperity for all.

*The data about key skills and educational backgrounds was compiled from LinkedIn Talent Insights and analyzed by the CLT Alliance team.