When it comes to job seekers eyeing the Southeast, most folks focus on cities like Charlotte or Raleigh and overlook the real potential of Wilson County, North Carolina. If you’re looking for fresh opportunities, lower cost of living, and a community that’s ready to hire, Wilson County might just surprise you in Wilson County Nc jobs.
Key Takeaways
- Wilson County’s labour force in 2023 stood at about 33,490 employed individuals.
- Manufacturing, health care/social assistance and retail trade are the leading employment sectors in the county.
- The county offers job-search and training assistance via the local one-stop centre, the Wilson Workforce Center.
- Many jobs pay modest wages and the local unemployment rate remains somewhat higher than state-average, indicating room for growth and mobility.
- Commuting patterns show both inflow and outflow of workers in Wilson County—meaning there are jobs for local residents and for those willing to travel a little.
1. The Local Job Market Landscape
Wilson County’s economy is characterised by a mix of manufacturing strength, healthcare services, retail, and a modest but steady public sector. The county is classified as Tier 1 (highest economic distress), meaning there are likely incentives and programs geared toward job creation.
Major Employment Sectors in Wilson County Nc jobs
- Manufacturing is the largest sector by employment for residents: roughly 5,892 people in 2023 worked in manufacturing.
- Health care & social assistance: approx. 5,003 jobs in 2023.
- Retail trade: about 3,729 jobs in 2023.
Income, Wages & Employment Trends in Wilson County Nc jobs
- Median household income (2023) is reported at $51,381.
- Unemployment rate for 2023 was around 4.9% for the county.
- Private goods-producing industry employment (manufacturing, etc) was about 10,348 in September 2024.
Why this matters for job-seekers
- Because manufacturing remains strong, if you have any production, mechanical, or assembly skills, Wilson County presents viable opportunities.
- The presence of healthcare and retail shows there are entry opportunities and growth paths for those in service industries.
- Training and support services exist locally (see section 4 below) to help up-skill or transition.
- A somewhat higher unemployment rate suggests less competition for certain roles (compared to ultra-tight markets), but also means you’ll want to bring strong credentials or readiness to stand out.
2. In-Demand Jobs & Skill Sets to Target
If you’re planning to apply in Wilson County, focus on jobs aligned with the major sectors, and consider what skills give you an edge.
Manufacturing & Production in Wilson County Nc jobs
Given the strength of manufacturing in the county:
- Look for roles like machine operator, production technician, quality control inspector, assembly line worker.
- Skills/Certifications that help: mechanical aptitude, ability to read blueprints, experience with automated equipment, safety certifications (OSHA).
- Pay is variable; manufacturing tends to pay higher than basic retail, and often has shift options.
Healthcare & Social Assistance in Wilson County Nc jobs
- Healthcare role demand: nursing assistants, medical technicians, administrative support in clinics/hospitals.
- Education and certifications (CNA, medical billing & coding, health tech) enhance job prospects.
- Growth potential: as the population ages, healthcare services expand—so long-term career paths likely.
Retail & Service Jobs in Wilson County Nc jobs
- Store associates, customer service reps, logistics/warehouse roles tied to retail growth.
- Helpful skills: customer engagement, basic computer literacy, flexibility in shifts, ability to handle fast-paced environments.
Public Sector & Administrative in Wilson County Nc jobs
- Government, education and public administration jobs remain stable and often benefit from local residency.
- These jobs may offer good benefits and in some cases, less turnover.
3. The Challenges to Navigate
No job market is without its obstacles. Being aware helps you prepare accordingly.
Lower Average Wages & Cost of Living Realities
While cost of living is lower here than many metro areas, median wages still lag; historical data show median hourly wage in the county was low ($12.75 in older data) for many workers.
Skill Gaps & Education Levels
- Postsecondary attainment (ages 25-44) is about 39.8% for the county.
- If you lack credentials or experience, you may compete for entry roles—so up-skilling gives you an advantage.
Commuting & Worker Flow
- In 2022, data show Wilson County had a net worker inflow. 18,611 workers travel into the county, while 14,946 leave for jobs elsewhere.
- If you live outside the county, factor in commute time or relocation costs.
Economic Volatility
- Employment in Wilson County declined about 2.46% from 2022 to 2023.
- Manufacturing at the national level can be sensitive to global shifts—so choosing a role that offers skills upgrade or flexibility helps.
4. How to Position Yourself for Success
Here are actionable steps to increase your chances of landing and thriving in a job in Wilson County.
Use Local Workforce Resources
The Wilson Workforce Center is a key asset:
- Located on the campus of Wilson Community College at 902 Herring Avenue E., Wilson, NC.
- They offer: individual employment plans, resume help, job referrals, on-the-job training (OJT) incentives for employers.
- If you’re new to the area or transitioning fields, booking an appointment here is a smart first move.
Target Employers & Network in Wilson County Nc jobs
- Find out the big employers: manufacturing plants, hospitals/clinics, retail distribution centres, public schools.
- Tailor your résumé/cover letter to highlight relevant skills for those environments: e.g., safety protocols for manufacturing; customer-service for retail; HIPAA or medical terminology for healthcare.
- Attend local job-fairs or drop by the workforce centre to connect with recruiters.
Upskill Where Possible
- If you need a boost: consider short-term vocational training via Wilson Community College or online programs that support the county’s key sectors.
- Get certifications: e.g., CNC machining, OSHA safety, healthcare support certifications (CNA, medical assistant).
- Consider soft skills: punctuality, teamwork, adaptability—manufacturing and service sectors place high value on these.
Understand the Local Job Application Landscape
- Many jobs may require shifts (evenings/nights) especially in manufacturing/healthcare. Be ready for this flexibility.
- Relocation or living-cost planning: While the cost of living is relatively moderate, check housing availability if you plan to move.
- Highlight residency (or willingness to reside) in Wilson County—it can give you an edge for local employer jobs.
5. Future Outlook & Strategic Advantages in Wilson County Nc jobs
Why Wilson County could be a smart bet for job-seekers willing to position themselves:
- Being a Tier 1 county, it may receive more state/local incentives for economic growth, meaning more job creation efforts.
- Manufacturing continues to be a strength, which means that if you develop skills aligned with that, you may benefit from stability and growth.
- If you aim to stay long-term, smaller markets like Wilson allow you to build a reputation, grow within companies, and perhaps access lateral moves more easily than in ultra-large metro markets.
- Because the cost of living is lower than big cities, you have an opportunity to earn, save, and build forward momentum.
6. Ready-to-Use Job Search Checklist in Wilson County Nc jobs
- Create or update your résumé with focus on the targeted sector (manufacturing/healthcare/retail).
- Register with NCWorks Online (via the local workforce centre) so you can access job postings and employer resources.
- Visit (in person) the Wilson Workforce Center for an employment consultation.
- Identify 3-5 companies in Wilson County you could apply to—visit their websites, see open positions, research what they emphasise (safety, service, community).
- If you need extra training or certification, check short-term programs through Wilson Community College or local workforce incentives.
- Prepare for possible shift work, and plan logistics: transportation, child care (if applicable), housing if relocating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of jobs are most plentiful in Wilson County?
Based on recent data, manufacturing (production, assembly, quality control), health care & social assistance (clinical support, administrative), and retail/trade (sales, distribution, warehouse) are among the larger sectors.
How is the job market compared to big cities?
It is smaller scale than major metro regions, meaning fewer ultra-senior corporate roles, but also less intense competition for many mid-level or entry roles. The unemployment rate is somewhat higher than state averages, which suggests room for job-seekers who bring skills.
Are there training or support services in Wilson County?
Yes — the Wilson Workforce Center offers job-search help, training referrals, on-the-job training subsidies, and employment planning.
If I live outside Wilson County, is commuting realistic?
Possibly, yes. The county has a net inflow of workers. But you should check commute distances, transport options, and whether you’re comfortable travelling daily or if relocation makes more sense.
How do I stand out in the Wilson County job market?
Focus on these:
- Target each résumé/cover letter to the employer, citing relevant skills.
- Acquire certifications aligned with the sector (machining, healthcare support, logistics).
- Demonstrate reliability (punctuality, attendance record) and adaptability (shift work, cross-training) since smaller markets value multi-taskers.
- Leverage local networks: workforce centres, community colleges, job-fairs.
- If possible, show willingness to live in or near Wilson County—local residency is a plus.
Conclusion
If you’re seeking meaningful employment outside the congested big-city markets, Wilson County, NC offers a compelling mix of opportunity, affordability, and community support. Whether you’re aiming for manufacturing, healthcare, retail or administrative work, positioning yourself with the right skills and local resources can pay off. With the right strategy, you might land a role that not only supports you now, but helps you grow for years to come.