North Carolina is a thriving state for graduates, with industries spanning technology, healthcare, finance, and education. Home to innovative companies and renowned institutions, the state provides abundant opportunities for skill development, career growth, and stability.
This guide highlights North Carolina’s standout employers using CareerDNA data, ranking them by career growth scores, which reflect their ability to shape your professional potential beyond your time with them, and two-year retention rates, which highlight workplace satisfaction.
Career-Driving Companies in North Carolina
- Cisco Systems
- Career Growth Score: 14.29 (highest in North Carolina)
- Two-Year Probability: 28.57%
Cisco Systems, a global leader in networking technology, offers graduates opportunities in software engineering, cybersecurity, and data analytics, fostering technical expertise and long-term career potential.
- Novant Health
- Career Growth Score: 9.01
- Two-Year Probability: 50.89%
A major healthcare provider, Novant Health offers graduates roles in clinical care, administration, and healthcare management, helping to build versatile skills in the healthcare industry.
- Atrium Health
- Career Growth Score: 7.59
- Two-Year Probability: 51.58%
Atrium Health provides career-building opportunities in clinical services, operations, and research, making it a top choice for graduates entering healthcare.
- Red Hat
- Career Growth Score: 7.58
- Two-Year Probability: 40.69%
Red Hat, a leader in open-source software, offers graduates opportunities in software development, IT consulting, and technology innovation, supporting long-term growth in tech-driven roles.
- SAS Institute
- Career Growth Score: 6.91
- Two-Year Probability: 31.68%
SAS Institute provides graduates with opportunities in data analytics, software engineering, and artificial intelligence, making it a standout employer for those entering the tech sector.
- LabCorp
- Career Growth Score: 6.13
- Two-Year Probability: 59.87%
A global leader in diagnostics, LabCorp offers graduates roles in clinical research, operations, and healthcare analytics, with strong retention rates reflecting workplace satisfaction.
- Bank of America
- Career Growth Score: 4.98
- Two-Year Probability: 44.03%
Bank of America provides career opportunities in finance, technology, and customer relations, fostering strong growth potential in the financial sector.
- Wells Fargo
- Career Growth Score: 4.92
- Two-Year Probability: 57.26%
A major player in banking and financial services, Wells Fargo offers graduates roles in analytics, investment banking, and client management.
- Duke University & Health System
- Career Growth Score: 3.97
- Two-Year Probability: 35.03%
Duke University provides graduates with career paths in education, research, and healthcare, making it an ideal choice for those interested in academia or clinical services.
- University of North Carolina (UNC)
- Career Growth Score: 1.85
- Two-Year Probability: 44.94%
UNC offers graduates opportunities in teaching, research, and university administration, contributing to academic and professional development.
Explore salary benchmarks, career progression opportunities, and jobs tailored to your career goals—all for free at yourcareerdna.com.