North Carolina’s Labor and Economic Analysis Division announced on May 1 the release of the new 2026 Star Jobs ratings, providing updated information about career prospects across the state.
The Star Jobs system is designed to help residents quickly assess the quality of different occupations using a five-star scale. The ratings are based on factors such as regional wages, projected job growth, employer demand, and education or skill requirements. Higher-rated jobs indicate stronger long-term potential for workers.
According to the North Carolina Labor and Economic Analysis Division (LEAD), nearly 60 percent of occupations statewide have a rating of three stars or higher. This proportion is consistent across all regions in North Carolina. LEAD also reports that jobs requiring more education or specialized training tend to offer higher wages and better long-term prospects. Wages play a major role in determining star ratings: any occupation with pay above the regional median receives at least three stars.
The division outlines definitions for each rating level, from one-star jobs with limited advancement opportunities to five-star careers offering top earnings and strong employment growth. “While 1- and 2-star jobs are appropriate for certain contexts, 3-star jobs mark the dividing line between limited advancement potential and solid, longer-term career prospects,” according to LEAD.
Star Jobs ratings do not measure job importance but rather reflect career potential based on various criteria. Many high-paying five-star positions require extensive education or experience, while some may prefer accessible three-star roles with less rigorous entry requirements. Regional labor markets used in these assessments are based on North Carolina’s eight Prosperity Zones.
Residents can access detailed Star Jobs data through an interactive web table, NCcareers.org for broader career exploration resources, or an Occupational Employment Dashboard that summarizes trends by star rating.
