The construction industry is at a crossroads. While demand for housing and infrastructure remains high, rising interest rates, labor shortages, and economic uncertainty are slowing that momentum. Amid these mixed signals, attention is turning to the construction workforce: where it’s growing, and where it could face even more setbacks.

In the 2025 edition of their Cities With the Most Construction Workers report, researchers at Construction Coverage examine where construction jobs are most concentrated, which roles are most common across the industry, and which local economies may be most vulnerable to construction slowdowns.

Key Findings for Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC

• As of 2024 (the latest data available), the Charlotte metro has a total of 78,715 construction industry employees.
• Overall, construction jobs make up 6.7% of all employment in the Charlotte metro—0.6 percentage points higher than the national average (6.1%).

How Many People Work in the U.S. Construction Industry?

There are approximately 8.1 million Americans employed in construction, accounting for 6.1% of private-sector employment

As of December 2024, about 8.1 million Americans work in construction, accounting for 6.1% of private-sector employment. While this marks a strong recovery from the lows of the Great Recession, the sector has yet to return to pre-2008 levels.

Construction employment declined sharply following the housing market crash, reaching a low point in early 2011 when it accounted for just 4.8% of private-sector jobs—the lowest level in over 30 years. Since then, the sector has gradually regained ground, supported by sustained demand for housing and infrastructure projects.

As Charlotte’s restaurant selection continues to grow, many establishments are scrambling to attract customers and really letting their health standards slide in the process.

Some of the most common reasons for low scores were food handlers not washing their hands properly, contaminated food containers, and improper food temperatures (many restaurants are still lacking proper infrared thermometers).

These were the worst inspection scores in Charlotte for July, 2025;

#10 PF Changs

6809 PHILLIPS PLACE CT, CHARLOTTE NC 28210
Scored 88.50 (B) on 7/14/2025

They had the following violations;

• Observed raw salmon being stored over salad inside prep unit.
• Observed raw salmon and cooked chicken thawing inside same basin of prep sink.
• Observed multiple plates, metal bowls, and containers with food debris while being stored as clean.
• Observed pink build up on ice machine metal plate.
• Observed ground chicken, beef, and raw chicken holding above 41F in prep top.
• Observed canned bamboo, cooked chicken and 2 pans of fried chicken without dates. Items were prepared last night.
• Observed sushi rice being held on TPHC without a time label.
• Observed raw salmon and cooked chicken thawing in stagnant water.
• Observed flies near dish area and a fly inside container on top of dumplings.

#9 Shanes Rib Shack

5220 NEW FASHION WY, CHARLOTTE NC 28278
Scored 88.50 (B) on 7/25/2025

They had the following violations;

• Observed food employee use bare hands to turn off the faucet after washing hands.
• Observed food employee get Romain lettuce from the WIC then return to the prep station without changing gloves and washing hands.
• Observed PIC dispose of sanitizer solution in a handwashing sink.
• Observed a piece of charcoal in direct contact with cooked RTE chicken tenders.
• Observed QUAT sanitizer at 0ppm while actively being used to sanitize dishes in the 3 comp sink.
• Observed cooked RTE chicken wings, tenders, and nuggets in the RIC on the cook line without dates.
• Observed no thin probe thermometer available during inspection.
• Observed fuzzy black build up on the shelves in the WIC.
• Observed a nozzle on the hose in the mop sink that was under continuous pressure.
• Observed leaking pipes above the mop sink.
• Observed residue on the floors and walls throughout the facility.

#8 Pho Real

440 E MCCULLOUGH DR, CHARLOTTE NC 28262
Scored 88 (B) on 7/23/2025

They had the following violations;

• PIC was unaware of dish machine not properly sanitizing, TPHC items were improperly labeled, food employees did not wash hands at appropriate times, and was unaware of improper cooling/parameters.
• Observed food employees leaving out back door, grabbing handles to re-enter and did not wash hands before returning to working with food.
• Observed food employees coughing and no hand wash after.
• Observed raw chicken stored above RTE foods inside the 3 door standing RIC.
• Observed raw chicken stored above raw beef inside the standing 3 door RIC.
• Observed dishes being actively washed inside the dish machine. Dish machine was observed at 0 PPM of chlorine sanitizer.
• Observed 2 closed, large containers of broth placed inside the RIC before closing to cool overnight.
• Observed slaw and large container of sliced beef above 41F.
• Observed garlic and oil and 2 containers of soup with no date marks.
• Observed cut lettuce, bean sprouts, cut cabbage, and cut bok choy with the in correct TPHC stamp.
• Observed cooked noodles with no time stamp.

#7 Jersey Mikes

10110 JOHNSTON RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28210
Scored 88 (B) on 7/31/2025

They had the following violations;

• Observed open top employee beverage stored on rolls of paper towels at dry storage rack.
• Observed employee turn off faucet with bare hand after washing.
• Observed no paper towels or hand drying device in women’s restroom.
• Observed many dishes stored as clean with visible food debris.
• Observed heavily grease-soiled metal press beside clean dishes.
• Observed probe of thermometer with encrusted grease and food debris.
• Observed sliced tomato, shredded lettuce, and mayo between 55F-61F inside back prep counter cold wells.
• Observed several items without date marks at different locations- bottled dressings in fliptop 2 and WIC, pans of shredded lettuce on bottom rack of deli case, tomatoes cooling inside WIC.
• Observed quat sanitizer in squirt bottle over 300ppm.
• Observed many boxes of food and single service articles on floor near warewashing, in addition to onions and pickles on floor in WIC.

#6 East Coast Wings + Grill

2135 THRIFT RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28208
Scored 87.5 (B) on 7/2/2025

They had the following violations;

• Observed no certified food protection manager on duty during inspection.
• Observed food employee return from the WIC and attempted to don gloves without a hand wash.
• Observed for employee work with raw chicken then proceeded to dawn new gloves without a hand wash.
• Observed chlorine dish machine being actively used while producing 0ppm. Food employee found a cap lodged in the bottom of the machine preventing any water from coming through.
• Upon arrival EHS observed cooked chicken wings holding at 95F.
• Observed wet stacked containers that were said to be stacked as clean.
• Observed hot holding drawer unable to close properly without proper adjustments.

#5 Bojangles 

8521 N TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE, NC 28262
Scored 87 (B) on 7/21/2025

They had the following violations;

• Observed multiple risk factor violations at time of inspection such as handwashing, cooking temperatures, and cold holding temperatures as TCS items and multiple cold holding units were reading above 41F.
• Observed food employee handling eggs (major allergen) and return to contact other food without preventing contamination of major allergen.
• Observed food employee wash hands for less than 20 seconds.
• Observed no soap at handsink at men’s bathroom.
• Observed debris on dishes stored as clean.
• Observed thermometer stored with heavy debris and buildup.
• Observed sausage patties cooked between 107-176F.
• Observed multiple items hot holding below 135F.
• Observed multiple items cold holding above 41F.
• Observed non-functioning thermometer.

#4 New Century Oriental Deli

4500 N TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28213
Scored 86.5 (B) on 7/16/2025

They had the following violations;

• RTE foods are not being dated marked, moldy food present, dishes aren’t being cleaned properly.
• No employee present has active ANSI food protection manager certification.
• Employee drinks observed on prep table. Half eaten employee food also observed in areas of kitchen and above prep surfaces. Store employee drinks in a separate area.
• No paper towels at hand washing sink in kitchen.
• Steel wool observed in hand washing sink in other part of kitchen.
• Raw duck hanging over pan of raw pork in walk-in cooler.
• Can opener blade, most strainers, and large amount of other dishes had visible debris on them.
• Cooked meat, garlic, and peppers in upright cooler had visible mold growth on them.
• Cooked pork in freezer was date marked for 7-7 but freezer is not freezing food (pork measured 36F).
• Steamed buns held using TPHC were not labeled with start time.
•  Large amount of live roaches observed during inspection.

#3 Imperial Treasure 

14815 BALLANTYNE VILLAGE WY, CHARLOTTE NC 28277
Scored 86 (B) on 7/29/2025

They had the following violations;

• Observed numerous priority violations and repeats during inspection. EHS observed no managerial control over priorities such as cold holding, storage order, employee health and proper sanitation of food contact surfaces
• PIC unable to provide any documentation of training for employees responsibility to report symptoms, illnesses, and exposure.
• Observed no soap provided for back hand sink.
• Observed no hand sink available at any hand sink in kitchen.
• Observed numerous items in dry storage area with no label in English.
• Observed numerous raw proteins in walk in cooler over RTE foods.
• Observed dish machine not dispensing sanitizer at the proper concentration.
• Observed numerous items in WIC over 41F and two items in flip top stored above fill line above 41F.

#2 Tous Le Jours 

4625 PIEDMONT ROW DR, CHARLOTTE NC 28210
Scored 86 (B) on 7/14/2025

They had the following violations;

• Observed no manager present.
• Observed no one present with a Food protection manager certification.
• Observed hand sink in kitchen area not operational during inspection.
• Observed multiple scoops, knives, containers and bakeware soiled with food debris while being stored as clean.
• Observed tongs being stored in soapy water.
• Observed milk, cream shredded cheese, cut lettuce, and cream cheese inside walk in cooler above 41F. Ambient air of walk in cooler was 40-41F.
• Observed savory items in display case held on TPHC past 4 hours according to TPHC white board.
• Observed almond milk and oat milk in reach in cooler cooling at a rate of 0.02F/min.
• Observed multiple small flies throughout facility, some of which were in display cases with food items.

#1 Cottage

6701 N TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28213
Scored 81.5 (B) on 7/2/2025

They had the following violations;

•  No system of date marking, employees were making wontons on prep table that had a bag of raw meat thawing on it (PIC stated it was personal use raw meat), very few dishes that were stored as clean were actually clean (food debris on them), PIC had turned off power to walk-in cooler and left all the TCS foods in the cooler so they were all too warm, grilled chicken was sitting out at 81F, no labels for TCS foods held using TPHC, half eaten food observed on prep sink, no soap/paper towels at multiple hand sinks.
• Tray of employee food observed on prep sink.
• No paper towels at hand washing sinks in bathrooms and no paper towels at hand washing sink in kitchen.
• No soap at hand sink in bathroom.
• Wontons were being prepared on prep table while raw meat was thawing on prep table (PIC stated it was personal food). Also, raw salmon stored on shelf above noodles in sandwich cooler bottom.
• Nearly all utensils, pans, and knives stored as clean had visible food debris on them. Prep sink also had dried vegetable matter on it and it looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in days.
• Grilled chicken measured 81F and was stored out of temperature control.
• All TCS foods in the walk-in cooler measured 49-52F. Lo mein, imitation crab, raw beef, and raw chicken in sandwich cooler measured 45-52F.
• No TCS ready-to-eat foods were labeled with prep date. No system of date marking in facility.
• Flies in establishment.

If you’d like to monitor health scores or do a quick search for a restaurant you’re about to eat at, check out North Carolina’s health inspection database here.

Flash Flood Warnings have just been issued for Mecklenburg, Stanly, and York counties as heavy rainfall continues to drench the Charlotte area.

By noon today, over 4 inches of rain had fallen on most of Charlotte, with flash flooding reported across low-lying areas and greenways.

Flooding can now be seen along Little Sugar Creek, Wilkinson Boulevard near Sam Wilson Road, just west of the Charlotte Douglas Airport, and numerous exits along I-77, I-85, and I-485.

Flash Flood Warning continues for Charlotte NC, Charlotte/Douglas Airport NC and Matthews NC until 4:15 PM EDT pic.twitter.com/akheZ5C2nC

— NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) August 5, 2025

According to meteorologists, Tuesday’s high temperature is expected to remain in the low 70s, making it the coolest August day in Charlotte in over a decade. Overnight lows will dip into the mid-60s as additional rainfall continues into the evening hours.

The wet pattern is expected to persist into Wednesday, with lingering showers likely during the morning before tapering off in the afternoon. Highs will remain unseasonably cool in the low to mid-70s. Beginning Thursday, temperatures will gradually climb back toward 80 degrees, with highs in the low to mid-80s forecast for the weekend.

Though each day will carry the risk of isolated thunderstorms, forecasters say no single day appears to be a complete washout. However, drivers are urged to remain cautious, reduce speed, and allow for extra travel time as heavy rain continues to impact visibility and road conditions throughout the Charlotte metro area.

Spirit Airlines is offering one-way flights from Charlotte to New York City for just $30, but only for a limited time.

The deal covers nonstop service between Charlotte Douglas and LaGuardia Airport from August 23 to September 8, 2025. Travelers must book between August 4 and August 10 and purchase tickets at least 21 days in advance.

Blackout dates apply from August 28 to September 2. Spirit will operate two daily nonstop flights during the promotion.

North Carolina’s economy is projected to see continued growth in 2025, with a 2.7% increase in real — inflation adjusted — Gross Domestic Product, for the fifth full year of growth since COVID-19. The biggest increases in new jobs are anticipated in information, educational and health services, and construction.

Despite expectations of continued economic growth in the state, other factors bring uncertainty, said UNC Charlotte financial economist John Connaughton, as he presented the North Carolina Economic Forecast 2025 Second Quarter Report at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. The report has been a leading source of economic information for North Carolina for nearly 45 years.

“For four years, we have focused on the Federal Reserve actions and inflation,” Connaughton said. “In just 120 days, tariffs and trade have joined these as key factors to watch.”

In a period of heightened attention around fiscal policy, trade decisions and other factors, Connaughton puts the chance of a return of inflation in 2025 at 60-to-40. He sees a 30% chance of recession, a 60% lesser chance of recession and a 10% chance of an economic boom.

“In addition to fiscal policy concerns, we have seen the U.S. unemployment rate rise from 3.3% in May of 2023 to 4.2% in March and April of 2025,” Connaughton said. “As a result of the weakness in the labor market, the Fed began reducing interest rates in September of 2024. By December of 2024 the Fed Funds rate dropped by 100 basis points.”

During 2025, depending on economic data, the Fed could continue with interest rate reductions by up to another 50 basis points by year-end. However, if Congress does not begin to control fiscal spending, inflation could return in 2025, which could disrupt the Fed’s plans, he said.

“The wild card in all of this is tariffs, which could slow the economy further and cause a mild bump in inflation in the short run,” he said.

For North Carolina specifically, sluggish growth during the fourth quarter of 2024 is a direct result of Hurricane Helene and its impact in Western North Carolina, Connaughton said. Recovery will take time, because of the nature of the damage and the impact of the lack of flood insurance.

“In addition to the slow overall state growth in the fourth quarter, we have seen a significant decline in establishment employment in October,” he said. “Total North Carolina establishment employment dropped by 7,200 jobs in October compared to September. Employment bounced back in November, but the hurricane’s impact affected the overall employment growth for the year. The state only added 47,200 jobs during 2024. Clearly, Western North Carolina has been severely impacted and that has spilled over to the state economic performance.”

2025 Numbers
For 2025, North Carolina’s real — inflation adjusted — Gross Domestic Product is forecast to increase by 2.7% over the 2024 level. All 15 of the state’s economic sectors are expected to grow during 2025. GDP is the main measure of economic output. The sectors with the strongest projected growth rates are:

• Agriculture: 27.2%
• Information: 5.3%
• Retail trade: 3.9%
• Nondurable goods manufacturing: 3.3%
• Mining: 2.9%
• Educational and health services: 2.8%
• Business and professional services: 2.8%

North Carolina establishments are expected to add 72,400 net jobs in 2025, an increase of 1.4% over the December 2024 level. The state’s unemployment rate is expected to increase to 4.2% by December 2025. Twelve of the state’s 14 nonagricultural sectors are expected to show employment growth during 2025. The sectors with the strongest projected increases are information at 4.2%, education and health services at 2.2% and construction at 2.2%.

2024 Numbers
GDP reached a level of $839,122.2 million in 2024. Real GDP increased by 3.7% over the 2023 level. Of the state’s 15 economic sectors, 12 grew during 2024. The sectors with the strongest growth rates were:

• Agriculture: 40.2%
• Retail trade: 10.0%
• Mining: 8.4%
• Construction: 6.4%
• Nondurable goods manufacturing: 5.8%
• Educational and Health Services: 5.8%
• Finance, insurance, and real estate: 4.3%
• Information: 3.7%

North Carolina establishments added 47,200 net jobs by year’s end, an increase of 0.9% over December 2023. Of the state’s 14 nonagricultural sectors, six saw employment increases in 2024. The sectors with the strongest employment increases were education and health services at 3.4% and government at 3%. By December 2024, the state’s unemployment rate was steady at 3.7%.