Job report shows high demand for workers

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new report from the federal government shows 157,000 people landed jobs in the U.S. in July. The report shows the unemployment rate dropped to 3.9 percent.

Wells Fargo economist Sarah House said many positive things came out of the new report. She said there has been a high demand for workers and that's helping increase wages.

"[It's] getting tougher and tougher to find workers, so they [employers] are having to do something to incentivize those qualified workers, or they are having to invest more in their workers ... more training," said House.

House said people should be looking for work now.

"Charlotte is doing great. Job growth remains strong, and importantly, people are moving here. They want to work and live here in Charlotte," said House.

[STORY: Survey: US companies add a robust 219,000 jobs in July]

Even though dozens of people are moving to Charlotte every single day for new opportunities, there are still many people struggling to find work.

Sonya Peterson said, "It's hard, it really is."

Peterson was at Goodwill off Wilkinson Boulevard on Friday, seeking help in her job search. She told Channel 9 she's been working in hair salons but is hoping to land a job in office administration so she can get benefits.

"I've been independent for a long time, so trying to get here and getting in the corporate world has just been a challenge," said Peterson.

[STORY: Here’s who’s already hiring seasonal workers for the holidays] 

So far this year, more than 11,000 people landed jobs in Mecklenburg County. Even though national unemployment numbers came out Friday, Mecklenburg County is still crunching the numbers.

According to N.C. Department of Commerce, Mecklenburg County's unemployment rate in May was 3.5 percent. It rose to 4 percent in June, meaning a little more than 24,000 people didn't have jobs.

Despite Mecklenburg County having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state, statistics show it still has the highest concentration of people without jobs.

Peterson said she's feeling confident that something will come through for her.

"I'm hoping. I’m feeling real positive about it," said Peterson.

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

• FORECAST: One more rainy day ahead of drier, warmer weekend
• Father of WNBA star dies in York County car crash
• High school principal suspended during investigation
• Campers safe, water recedes after flooding in Iredell County
• TSA considering removing agents from 150 airports

Cox Media Group