Section 05: Tech Occupations
Demographic Breakout
To understand the demographic distribution within tech occupations, the percentage of workers in each group was compared with that group’s share of North Carolina’s overall population
This produces an index value in which 100 indicates equal representation in tech occupations relative to the state population. Index values below 100 indicate underrepresentation, while values above 100 indicate overrepresentation.
Gender Distribution of Tech Occupations in North Carolina
Looking first at gender demographics, women account for about 37% of tech occupations while representing one-half of the state’s population. While North Carolina has higher rates of women working in the tech industry compared with most other states, women are still significantly underrepresented in tech occupations. Gender parity did not improve from last year’s report, unlike in previous years.
| Demographic | Tech Occupations | NC Population | Index |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Women |
37% |
51% |
72.2 |
|
Men |
63% |
49% |
129.1 |
Source: EL calculations based on Lightcast 2025.4
Race/Ethnicity Distribution of Tech Occupations in North Carolina
In North Carolina, 67% of tech workers are white, which is an overrepresentation in tech occupations when compared with the state’s population. Workers who are Asian are also overrepresented in the tech workforce. Other groups of color do not have such high rates. Black people account for 16% of tech occupations but make up 21% of the state’s total population. The representation rates for Latino and Native communities in the tech workforce are very low in North Carolina. As the tech market continues to grow in the state, it is important that all parts of the population benefit. Broadening the labor pool with technology skills is a benefit to North Carolina businesses and can be a powerful competitive advantage.
| Demographic | Tech Occupations | NC Population | Index |
|---|---|---|---|
|
White |
67% |
60% |
111.2 |
|
Black or African American |
16% |
21% |
75.0 |
|
Asian |
10% |
4% |
271.1 |
|
Hispanic or Latino |
5% |
12% |
38.8 |
|
Two or More Races |
2% |
2% |
96.6 |
|
American Indian or Alaska Native |
0.3% |
1.0% |
34.4 |
|
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander |
0.1% |
0.1% |
72.8 |
Source: EL calculations based on Lightcast 2025.4
Age Distribution of Tech Occupations in North Carolina
The age distribution of the tech workforce was also compared with that of the overall workforce. Tech occupations tend not to rely on the very young but have higher concentrations of young and middle-aged workers. Compared with the statewide workforce, tech occupations employ fewer older workers. This group still represents about 20% of tech jobs in North Carolina and is at risk of retiring in the coming years. Companies and workforce stakeholders will need to plan for replacing these workers’ skill sets in the future.
| Demographic | Tech Occupations | NC Population | Index |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Age 24 and Younger |
6% |
13% |
42.2 |
|
Age 25 to 34 |
26% |
21% |
119.7 |
|
Age 35 to 44 |
26% |
21% |
124.3 |
|
Age 45 to 54 |
23% |
21% |
109.4 |
|
Age 55 and Older |
20% |
23% |
85.0 |