North Carolina's Tech Industry Maintains Momentum in 2026 Report

The state ranks high in tech job growth, gender representation, and business climate factors.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The North Carolina Technology Association's 2026 State of the Technology Industry Report highlights the continued strength and expansion of the state's tech sector. Key findings include North Carolina ranking #1 in tech occupation growth and women making up over 37% of the tech workforce, the highest rate nationally. The report also cites the state's top-tier business climate, including leading rankings in effective tax rates, venture capital investment, and university R&D.

Why it matters

North Carolina's thriving tech industry is a major driver of the state's economic vitality, supporting job creation and innovation across multiple sectors. The report's data points to the state's ability to attract companies, talent, and investment, reinforcing its status as a premier technology hub.

The details

The 2026 State of the Technology Industry Report, produced by the North Carolina Technology Association, highlights the state's continued tech industry growth and competitiveness. North Carolina ranked #1 in tech occupation growth from 2019-2024, indicating steady expansion of career opportunities. Women now make up over 37% of the state's tech workforce, giving North Carolina the top national ranking for gender representation in the industry. The report also cites North Carolina's strengths in business climate factors, including ranking #1 in effective business tax rates, #4 in overall business climate, #11 in venture capital investment per gross state product, and #5 in university research and development across science and technology fields.

  • The North Carolina Technology Association released its 2026 State of the Technology Industry Report in February 2026.
  • The report covers data and trends from 2019 to 2024.

The players

North Carolina Technology Association (NC TECH)

The leading technology trade association in North Carolina, which produces the annual State of the Technology Industry Report.

Ted Abernathy

Managing Partner at Economic Leadership LLC, who commented on the report's findings.

Bill Pappas

Head of Global Technology and Operations at MetLife, which has a major tech hub in Cary, North Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“The combination of investment, research, and an increasingly diverse workforce has created a foundation for long-term competitiveness in North Carolina.”

— Ted Abernathy, Managing Partner, Economic Leadership LLC (WRAL)

“MetLife has been proud to call the Research Triangle home to our Global Technology Hub for more than a decade. The findings of this report reinforce what our associates who work here experience every day: North Carolina continues to be one of the most dynamic and competitive tech ecosystems in the country — driven by talent and innovation.”

— Bill Pappas, Head of Global Technology and Operations, MetLife (WRAL)

What’s next

The full 2026 State of the Technology Industry Report is available at www.NCSTIR.com, providing policymakers, business leaders, and economic developers with comprehensive data to guide decisions and strategies for North Carolina's innovation economy.

The takeaway

North Carolina's thriving tech sector, marked by strong job growth, gender diversity, and a competitive business climate, underscores the state's status as a premier destination for technology companies, talent, and investment. The industry's continued expansion and innovation are expected to drive economic vitality across multiple sectors in the years ahead.