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Workforce & Demographics

We Have the Talent

Businesses looking for a diverse, highly educated workforce find that Chapel Hill more than delivers. Our edge over the US average for post-secondary degree attainment is substantial — with more than 75% of residents holding at least a bachelor’s degree.

UNC-Chapel Hill’s global reach creates international talent with strong capabilities across research, finance, tech, management, and light industrial sectors. North Carolina also ranks as a top 10 state for tech talent pipeline and one of the top states for customized workforce development — with an abundance of resources available regionally to enhance in-demand skills.

Three people enjoying a meal outside in the sun on a park bench
#2

Most Educated Town Residents in the U.S.

WalletHub, 2026
325,000

in the Durham-Chapel Hill Civilian Labor Force

US Bureau of Labor Statistics
76%

of Residents Hold Bachelor’s Degree (45% Hold Master’s)

US Census Bureau
15.3%

of Chapel Hill Residents have an International Background

Data USA

Let’s Talk Talent

Have a specific hiring need? Contact us to discuss a variety of workforce programs that support Chapel Hill employment and have helped dozens of businesses find in-demand talent.

Let’s Talk Business in Chapel Hill
Know The Talent

Tap Into Our Highly-Educated Workforce

Chapel Hill has world-class talent with diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re seeking data analysts, bioscientists, or software engineers, here you can access a pipeline of highly-educated individuals. And with one of the top customized workforce development programs in the U.S., upskilling teams is a seamless and  fiscally-responsible process.

UNC Chapel HIll campus and sign claiming “the first state university to open its doors.”

UNC-Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, is still pushing boundaries for business in North Carolina’s Research Triangle.

In 2024, UNC-Chapel Hill ranked in the top 2% for R&D expenditures, which means serious innovation is happening at the university across health sciences, applied sciences, and business. It also means partnerships with local businesses, spin-off companies, and thousands of skilled graduates.

But when you bring your business to Chapel Hill, you have access to talent beyond UNC. You might hire an engineer from NC State, a biomedical researcher from Duke, or a lab technician from Durham Tech. The right people for your business are always within reach.

Two young professionals sitting in conversation in office setting, young Asian man faces camera

Your business is only as strong as the people behind it. Fortunately, the North Carolina workforce is one of the best in the country, thanks to our state’s top-10 ranking for customized workforce training. In Chapel Hill, we’re here to help you find and keep the right team. Through the NCWorks Career Center of Orange County, you get expert talent strategies at little to no cost, helping you tackle:

  • Closing Skill Gaps: NCWorks Career Center Can help your businesses upskill teams through local college partnerships and hands-on instruction to keep your workforce sharp.
  • Solving Staffing Hurdles: Let NCWorks Career Center handle the screening and recruitment process so you can find the perfect fit for your open roles — without the stress.

You can also grow your business with top talent through Innovate Carolina which connects you with innovation-ready students and early-stage research. And if you’re in need of developing your workforce, several grants and financial resources are available through Capital Area ANC that can help connect you to federal and state resources.

Aerial view of a downtown street crossing on a sunny day with a UNC Tar Heels flag flluttering close up

We’re home to college students, retirees, international scholars, young professionals, and folks from all walks of life and all corners of the planet. We’re committed to including all of them in civic engagement and community life.

Chapel Hill is growing more vibrant every day, with more than 15% of our residents born outside the country. UNC fuels much of our international attraction — bringing nearly 2,000 scholars from over 48 countries to live and learn with us.

We’re also big on empowering women’s leadership, with UNC-Chapel Hill professional and academic organizations and programs like the Carolina Women’s Leadership Council, 100 Women at Kenan-Flagler, and the Carolina Women’s Center.

Sites & Incentives

Ready to see how your company fits into the Chapel Hill business community? Search sites, properties, and incentives for growing the local economy.

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Key Sectors

Chapel Hill, NC is home to a thriving community of startups and small businesses working on everything from biotech to fintech.

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Location & Infrastructure

Chapel Hill is the perfect place to innovate, strategically positioned within North Carolina’s Research Triangle.

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Workforce Quick Links

UNC-Chapel Hill Career Outcomes

UNC-Chapel Hill produces career-ready talent with strong employment outcomes, giving Chapel Hill businesses direct access to a highly skilled, innovation-driven workforce pipeline.

See Student Outcomes

NCWorks Career Center of Orange County

The NC Works Skills Development Center helps Chapel Hill employers close skills gaps and staffing shortages through customized workforce training, upskilling, and hiring support.

Visit NC Works

Chapel Hill Chamber Workforce Development

The Chamber For a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro keeps businesses connected to federal, state, regional, and local resources that support talent recruitment, training, and retention.

Visit the Chamber
Our Team

Here to Help

Not sure where to start? Need insight into our local industries? Contact us and we’ll connect you to the right people and resources.

David Putnam

David Putnam

Economic Development Director

Sarah Potter

Sarah Potter

Business Vitality Manager

Get in Touch

Connect with Chapel Hill Economic Development to ask questions, explore opportunities, and learn more about why this community is right for you.