Work in Raleigh, NC: Major Employers in Wake County & Remote Work

Almost half a million people call Raleigh home, and many were drawn here by the strong local economy and diverse employment opportunities. The Research Triangle Region of North Carolina has supported a stable work environment since 1959, when the largest research park in North America, Research Triangle Park, was established. The 7,000-acre park hosts over 300 companies across technology, government, science, education and more.

Innovative Raleigh companies thrive in the Triangle and bring in new workers every year, and residents appreciate the lower-than-average cost of living that gives locals a higher quality of life.

Job Market & Industry Landscape

Wake County gains over 60 residents every single day, and in 2025, Raleigh companies invested over $3.8 billion in growth and infrastructure. This city is an economic powerhouse that’s committed to progress.

Economic Diversification

• Access to Research Institutions: Raleigh’s proximity to three major research universities provides a steady pipeline of highly skilled talent. Since 2018, employment growth in every major economic sector has outpaced the national average.
• 2026 Development Projects: Six development initiatives are planned for 2026 and are expected to attract $1.7 billion in investment.
• Healthcare Investment: Weatherby Healthcare invested $7 million in new business ventures in 2025. WakeMed and Atrium Health proposed a $2 billion investment to expand four healthcare campuses and construct two new Healthplex locations.

Top Employers in Raleigh

Raleigh has long been known as an education hub, but its modern professional economy is also powered by technology, healthcare, life sciences and advanced research. These high-growth industries provide the high-wage stability and career opportunities that have transformed the city into one of the nation’s premier destinations for professionals.

Education & Public Service

Government and education employers make up the largest category in the city.

• City & County Government: Between the State of North Carolina, Wake County Government, and the City of Raleigh, over 32,000 Raleigh residents are employed.
• Wake County Public School System: Over 20,000 employees work across over 200 schools, making WCPSS one of the largest school systems in the US.
• Duke University: Duke University Education and Health is the second-largest private employer in North Carolina, with 16,830 employed at the university level.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: This R1 school employs thousands and invests millions in local research and development, including the planned 230-acre Carolina North campus extension.
• North Carolina State University: Over 10,000 employees educate, house, and feed some of the best and brightest students in the nation.

Healthcare

Healthcare is one of Raleigh’s largest employment sectors, defined by nationally recognized hospital systems that drive medical innovation.

• Duke Health Systems: The region’s largest healthcare employer, with more than 26,000 employees, Duke Health is anchored by Duke University Hospital and prioritizes cutting-edge medical research.
• WakeMed Health & Hospitals: The comprehensive network of hospitals, trauma centers, emergency departments, and outpatient facilities employs over 10,300 residents.
• UNC Rex Healthcare System: Over 7,700 employees provide advanced acute care, cancer treatment, heart and vascular services, and specialty care through a growing network.

Advanced Manufacturing & Life Sciences

Wake County is at the heart of one of the world’s largest advanced manufacturing and life sciences clusters, home to more than 650 life sciences companies and over 300 advanced manufacturing companies.

• Pfizer: The pharmaceutical giant has invested hundreds of millions in its Sanford and Rocky Mount facilities, employing over 3,700 local workers.
• Wolfspeed (formerly Cree): The semiconductor firm employs over 2,500 residents and plans to invest $5 billion in Siler City and create 1,800 new jobs by 2030.
• Ypsomed: The medical tech company is opening its first North American manufacturing facility, investing over $195 million in the Raleigh area.
• IQVIA: The clinical trial lab services provider employs around 2,700 people and aims to increase headcount from 2025 to 2028.

Technology & Finance

These public and private companies are among the top offices in Wake County.

• IBM: The tech powerhouse plans to invest $150 billion in the US from 2025 to 2030, adding to the existing 9,000 Raleigh jobs.
• Fidelity Investments: The investment company has doubled its city workforce in the 2020s and plans to continue growing.
• Lenovo: North Carolina is home to Lenovo’s headquarters, which employs over 5,000 people.
• Cisco Systems: The global tech company employs over 5,000 Raleigh residents.

Clean Technology

Around 1,900 clean tech companies operate in Raleigh, making the region a major hub for clean technology innovation with strong global partnerships.

• Sensus: The company’s over 3,600 employees provide remotely managed solutions to improve gas, grid, and water service.
• Duke Energy: The Fortune 150 company is one of the nation’s largest energy providers, serving 8.4 million electric customers while investing in renewable energy.
• Siemens Energy: The clean energy company continues investment in engineering and R&D in the city.

Pro-Tip for Career Scouting

If you’re looking for a career in healthcare or education, keep in mind that employees at Duke University and Duke University Health Systems usually receive fantastic benefits packages and excellent opportunities for advancement.

Company/Organization	Industry	Approx. Employees	Highlight
Wake County Public School System	Education	20,000+	One of the largest public school systems in the US with 200+ schools.
Duke Health Systems	Healthcare	26,000+	The region’s largest healthcare employer and a leader in medical research and trauma care.
IBM	Technology	9,000+	Longtime Research Triangle employer with major investments in AI, cloud computing and software.
North Carolina State University	Higher Education	10,000+	Raleigh’s flagship Research 1 university and a major workforce and innovation engine.
State of North Carolina	Government	24,000+	The state’s largest public employer, supporting government operations across Wake County.
Lenovo	Technology	5,000+	Global headquarters for North America and a cornerstone of Raleigh’s tech sector.

Remote Work: Coworking & Connectivity

Raleigh is among the top five cities in the nation for remote work, and over 23% of workers are hybrid or fully remote. The city’s strong digital infrastructure and high quality of life make for an excellent remote work environment.

Connectivity Advantages

Raleigh is home to some of the best tech and health companies in the world. This means that the internet here is beyond reliable.

• The Speeds: Fiber providers offer up to 5 Gbps speeds, with upload speeds 25 times faster than cable.
• The Reliability: Over 44% of Raleigh has access to Google Fiber, and much of the city has AT&T Fiber coverage. Fiber is incredibly reliable, consistent and secure.

Top Coworking Spaces

The City of Oaks offers a thriving network of coworking spaces, from creative hubs downtown to professional workspaces in North Hills and the Research Triangle, making it easy to collaborate, network and stay productive.

• Raleigh Founded (North Street, Capital Club and Centennial Locations): Remote workers get high-speed internet, meeting rooms, local coffee/beer and access to printing.
• The Nest Raleigh: Workers can rent private desk suites or use call rooms to run meetings. The communal coworking space is comfortable and accessible, and it doubles as an event venue.
• The Loading Dock (Five Points, West Raleigh and Downtown): Over 6,000 remote workers have used the Loading Dock to co-work in a secure, stable, communal environment. Use the conference room, phone booths, dedicated mailbox and more.

Work-Life Integration

The true draw of remote work in Raleigh is the lifestyle flexibility. In a single day, you can answer emails from a North Hills cafe, take a midday break for a walk or bike ride along the Capital Area Greenway, and wrap up your afternoon meetings from a shaded patio in Downtown Raleigh before heading home or to a local happy hour.

Entrepreneurship & Business Opportunities

Raleigh is ranked among the top five cities in the country for small-business performance. The City of Oaks has more than 11,000 small businesses per 100,000 residents, and that number is growing. Entrepreneurs in Raleigh can rely on the growing customer base and strong startup support.

Startup Ecosystem & Support Centers

Small business owners find plenty of networking opportunities, industry organizations and resources that make it easy to build meaningful connections and grow their business.

• Raleigh Small Business Development: The city’s Building Uplift Grant (BUG) reimburses small businesses up to 50% of eligible construction costs, with grants of up to $25,000, to support new businesses and job creation.
• NC Community Colleges Small Business Center Network (SBCN): Members access free, confidential one-on-one business counseling, referrals to essential business resources, and affordable educational seminars to help entrepreneurs start and strengthen their businesses.
• First Flight Venture Center (FFVC): Located in the Research Park, a science and technology incubator offering affordable office and laboratory space, flexible leases, and business mentoring, management guidance and technology support services.

Diversity, Networking & Community Empowerment

Individuals can join the following organizations to find career support and growth opportunities.

• Young Professionals Network: This networking group connects Triangle professionals ages 23-39 through networking, leadership development, and career growth opportunities.
• SHRM Raleigh Metro: This HR professional association hosts multiple networking groups, including Members in Transition (MIT) and Emerging Leaders groups.

Plan a Career Scouting Trip

Turn your vacation or weekend getaway into a life planning experience. Check out your top neighborhoods and spend time immersed in Raleigh’s work culture.

• Test the Commute: You may not know what your actual commute will be like, but it’s still worth taking the major transportation routes during rush hour. Visit a coworking spot like The Loading Dock or post up at a coffee shop to get some work done.
• Scout the Neighborhoods: After work, drive through communities such as Brier Creek, Five Points, Hayes Barton, or North Hills to get a feel for different lifestyles and housing options that align with your priorities.
• Experience the After-Hours: Raleigh has a thriving nightlife, arts and restaurant scene, as well as an expansive city park system. Walk the trails of Lake Johnson Park or grab a cider at Brewery Bhavana’s downtown location.