Pender County NC Jobs: Finding a rewarding job in a fast-growing community is one of the best career decisions you can make. Pender County, North Carolina, has become a strong employment hub, attracting job seekers with a mix of government openings, healthcare roles, education careers, tourism-focused jobs, retail positions, and new opportunities created by business growth. Whether you are a student, experienced professional, tradesperson, or someone looking for a fresh start, Pender County offers a career landscape full of stability and real potential.
Key Takeaways
- Pender County offers consistent hiring in education, healthcare, public services, retail, and construction.
- Burgaw, Hampstead, and Surf City have the highest job growth and employer activity.
- Government positions come with benefits such as healthcare, paid leave, and retirement plans.
- Remote and hybrid jobs are rising as companies expand recruitment beyond local applicants.
- Career seekers can find opportunities through county websites, job portals, staffing firms, and local hiring events.
WhyPender County NC Jobs Is a Strong Place to Work
Pender County has a balanced economy. Tourism continues to grow thanks to beaches and outdoor recreation, while schools and healthcare systems hire year-round. New businesses open every season, creating job security and career advancement possibilities. The county’s growing population also means more demand for teachers, medical staff, law enforcement, retail workers, construction trades, and service-focused roles.
Affordability is another advantage. Many job seekers choose Pender County because the cost of living is lower than large North Carolina cities, but job availability continues to rise. For residents who live in nearby areas like Wilmington or Jacksonville, Pender County provides shorter commutes and a calmer working environment.
Top Industries Hiring in Pender County NC Jobs
Here is a closer look at industries with strong and consistent hiring:
1. Education and Schools
ThePender County NC Jobs School District is one of the largest employers in the region. Schools regularly hire:
- Teachers
- Teaching assistants
- Bus drivers
- Office staff
- Custodians
- Cafeteria teams
Education roles come with steady hours, healthcare plans, state retirement benefits, and paid leave.
2. Healthcare and Medical Services
Healthcare is another major hiring sector. Hospitals, assisted-living facilities, rehabilitation centers, clinics, and pharmacies employ nurses, CNAs, medical receptionists, therapists, and administrative staff. With a growing senior population, the demand for healthcare professionals continues to increase every year.
3. Tourism and Hospitality
Surf City, Topsail Beach, and Hampstead attract visitors throughout the year. Hotels, restaurants, rental agencies, and recreation companies hire:
- Servers
- Hosts
- Kitchen staff
- Housekeeping
- Lifeguards
- Tour and activity workers
Seasonal positions are common, but many turn into full-time careers.
4. Retail and Customer Service
Grocery stores, hardware shops, boutiques, convenience stores, and supermarkets continue to expand hiring. Cashiers, stockers, team leads, delivery drivers, and store managers are always needed.
5. Construction and Skilled Trades
Home building and real estate growth have boosted construction employment. Electricians, plumbers, equipment operators, mechanics, roofers, and HVAC technicians are in high demand.
Government Jobs in Pender County NC Jobs
County government careers attract many applicants because of excellent benefits. Pender County hires for departments including:
- Social Services
- Sheriff’s Office
- Public Health
- Emergency Management
- Parks and Recreation
- Maintenance and Facilities
- Fire Services
These roles offer job security, retirement plans, paid time off, and long-term career paths.
Major Hiring Areas and Cities
Pender County NC Jobs covers many towns, but the strongest job markets include:
Burgaw – County seat with government, education, agriculture, and retail jobs
Hampstead – Fast-growing area with schools, medical offices, construction, and service jobs
Surf City & Topsail Area – Tourism, restaurants, retail, hospitality, and marine businesses
Rocky Point – Logistics, small factories, warehouses, and trade work
Entry-Level and No-Experience Jobs
Not everyone has a long resume, and that’s okay. Many employers hire new workers with training provided. Examples include:
- Cashier or store clerk
- Warehouse associate
- Cleaner or housekeeper
- Security guard
- Food service helper
- Caregiver assistant
- Landscape crew
These positions are good for students or individuals looking to build experience.
Remote and Work-From-Home Jobs
Remote employment continues to grow in Pender County. The most common remote-friendly fields are:
- Customer support
- Data entry
- Virtual assistant roles
- Online tutoring
- Billing and accounting services
- Digital marketing
- IT support and troubleshooting
Many residents apply to companies outside North Carolina while working from home in Pender County NC Jobs
How to Apply for Jobs in Pender County NC Jobs
Here are the most effective ways to find job openings:
1. Pender County Official Website
The county posts government and public service jobs online with application instructions.
2. Pender County Schools Career Portal
Teaching and school support positions are updated throughout the year.
3. Job Search Websites
Platforms such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor list openings from restaurants, hospitals, shops, and service companies.
4. Staffing Agencies
Local staffing firms help job seekers find clerical, industrial, and temporary-to-permanent positions.
5. Local Business Walk-Ins
Many restaurants, retail stores, and small businesses accept in-person applications.
Tips to Get Hired Faster in Pender County
- Keep your resume short, clear, and professional
- Highlight customer service or volunteer experience
- Be available for evening or weekend shifts if applying to hospitality or retail
- Bring copies of your resume during walk-in applications
- For government or healthcare positions, prepare for background checks and training
- Certifications such as CNA, CPR, forklift operation, or food service training improve hiring chances
Growing Career Opportunities to Watch
Pender County’s workforce will continue expanding. High-growth areas expected to hire more in the future include:
- Renewable energy and environmental programs
- Advanced healthcare and therapy services
- School expansion due to population growth
- New restaurants, hotels, and marine tourism
- Residential and commercial construction
- Logistics, delivery, and transportation careers
Because companies continue investing in the county, job availability is expected to remain strong.
Why People Choose to Work in Pender County
Job seekers prefer Pender County for:
- A comfortable lifestyle
- Affordable housing compared to larger cities
- Steady job growth
- Community-focused workplaces
- Beautiful coastal environment
- Shorter commutes and less traffic stress
Working here gives many people a balance of career growth and relaxed living.
FAQs
What jobs are most in demand in Pender County?
Education, healthcare, government, hospitality, construction, and retail positions are consistently hiring.
Which cities in Pender County have the most job openings?
Burgaw, Hampstead, Surf City, and Topsail areas see the most hiring activity.
Are there remote job opportunities in Pender County?
Yes, many residents work from home in customer service, online teaching, IT support, billing, administration, and digital marketing.
Do government jobs in Pender County offer benefits?
Government employees receive paid leave, insurance, retirement plans, and stable full-time schedules.
How can someone find jobs in Pender County?
Search the county website, school district portal, job boards, staffing agencies, and local business hiring notices.