Leading Industries and Major Employers in the Raleigh Area
Wake County’s economy, valued at $95.6 billion, is powered by a diverse range of industries and a robust workforce of more than 1.17 million people. Home to thousands of businesses, the Raleigh area has established itself as a thriving economic hub. But which industries and employers play the biggest roles in shaping the region’s success?
The Pillars of Wake County’s Economy
According to data from the Raleigh Chamber and Wake County Economic Development, five key industries account for approximately 75% of the county’s economic output. These sectors, ranked by employment numbers, drive the region’s prosperity.
1. Professional and Business Services – 137,197 employees
Encompassing a wide range of fields including finance, legal services, and marketing, this sector is a cornerstone of Raleigh’s economic landscape. Major employers include Fidelity Investments and Conduent Business Services.
2. Education and Health Services – 114,512 employees
A major force in the local job market, this sector includes institutions such as Duke University and Duke Health Systems, the Wake County Public School System, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
3. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities – 111,205 employees
Retail giants like Walmart, Food Lion, and Target dominate this sector, with retail sales in Wake County exceeding $21.1 billion last year.
4. Government – 88,820 employees
With employment spanning federal, state, and local levels, government jobs play a critical role in the area’s workforce. The largest employer in this sector is the State of North Carolina, which provides jobs in public administration, from tax assessment to park maintenance.
5. Leisure and Hospitality – 65,428 employees
Tourism and hospitality continue to flourish in Wake County, thanks in part to the millions of visitors the area attracts each year. Key employers include Luihn Food Systems (operator of KFC and Taco Bell locations), Concord Hospitality Enterprises, and PNC Arena.
Map via Wake County
The Region’s Top Employers
With more than 700,000 jobs spread across Wake County, several major organizations stand out as significant contributors to employment. Here are six of the largest employers, each with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees:
Duke University and Duke Health Systems – 43,108 employees
A leader in education and healthcare, Duke Health operates three hospitals: Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, and Duke Raleigh Hospital. Its children’s hospital is ranked the best in North Carolina.
State of North Carolina – 24,083 employees
Serving a population of over 10 million, the state government offers a wide range of positions, from administrative roles to public service careers. Opportunities include both permanent and temporary jobs, as well as internships for students.
Wake County Public School System – 17,000 employees
The county’s public education system serves approximately 159,000 students, with job opportunities spanning teaching, administration, and transportation.
Walmart – 16,800 employees
Since opening its first store in 1962, Walmart has expanded to operate approximately 10,500 locations worldwide. In Wake County, the company employs thousands in retail and corporate roles.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – 12,204 employees
Founded in 1795 as the nation’s first public university, UNC-Chapel Hill is recognized as a top research institution, offering a wide array of job opportunities for faculty, staff, and researchers.
WakeMed Health & Hospitals – 10,307 employees
Named North Carolina’s top hospital system to work for by Forbes in 2022, WakeMed provides healthcare services across the region, employing a dedicated team of physicians, nurses, and administrative staff.
A Thriving Economic Landscape
As Raleigh and Wake County continue to grow, these industries and employers will remain pivotal to the region’s economic development. With an expanding job market and a business-friendly environment, the area is poised for sustained success in the years ahead.