10 Top Companies to Work for in Charlotte

Charlotte, North Carolina, fondly known as the “Queen City” and the “International Gateway to the South,” is the heart of the Southeast United States. The bustling city is experiencing tremendous growth, making it a hot spot for young professionals and job seekers.

According to U.S. Census data, Charlotte remains one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The area saw a population growth rate of 1.7% from July 2022 to July 2023. With a positive outlook for job growth in the near future, it is easy to see how Charlotte has become one of the country’s most desirable places to work.

Below is a list of some of the top companies all professionals seeking career opportunities in Charlotte should be aware of, as well as some tips that can help increase your chances of getting hired.

Top companies in the Charlotte, North Carolina area

1. Hendrick Motorsports

Hendrick Motorsports is a powerhouse in the NASCAR industry located in the heart of Charlotte. The organization’s track record of multiple NASCAR Cup Series championships represents excellence in automotive racing. It offers a thriving career environment for those passionate about motorsports and automotive technology.

As one of the premier teams in NASCAR, Hendrick Motorsports employs a dedicated team of engineers, mechanics, and support staff who work collaboratively to maintain their edge in high-performance racing. The team’s commitment to innovation and excellence in engineering makes it a prime destination for professionals seeking dynamic and challenging roles in the automotive and sports industries.

Employees at Hendrick Motorsports benefit from a culture that values teamwork, innovation, and speed. The organization is also deeply involved in community service and education initiatives, reflecting its commitment to giving back to the community. This effort includes partnerships with local schools to promote STEM education, which is vital for nurturing the next generation of engineers and technicians.

Career opportunities at Hendrick Motorsports are diverse, ranging from mechanical engineering positions to marketing and business development roles. The company strongly emphasizes career development, offering various training and advancement programs to help employees achieve their professional goals.

Regularly check their careers page to view open positions and learn more about how you can become part of a championship-winning team.

2. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo’s east coast division is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. As such, the bank employs roughly 10,000 workers in the metro area, making Charlotte its largest employment hub.

Wells Fargo views people as a competitive advantage and thus makes it a priority to recruit top talent. The bank’s commitment to its employees includes various impressive benefits and perks, such as an employee tuition reimbursement program that offers up to $5,000 annually, scholarships for dependent children, and access to healthy living resources.

If you are interested in building your career at Wells Fargo, earning a degree in one of these areas or another in-demand field of study could help you stand out from the competition.

3. Duke Energy

Duke Energy, one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States, is headquartered in Charlotte and is a major employer in the area. Since its foundation in the early 1900s, Duke Energy has grown to service millions of customers and has remained dedicated to supplying energy that is cleaner, more reliable, and affordable as the country’s energy industry has evolved.

Duke Energy prides itself on being different from other utility companies. Its mission is to provide value to customers and shareholders by reducing emissions rates, investing in renewable energy, and powering communities. Additionally, the company focuses on driving innovation through projects like the development of new Smart Grid technology designed to modernize the region’s energy grid.

Employees at Duke Energy are passionate about having a role at such a highly regarded company. Those interested in working for Duke Energy can search for open positions on their careers page.

Many of the company’s open positions relate specifically to engineering and project management positions. As such, earning a degree related to these business areas can act as a powerful signal to hiring managers that you are qualified for the job.

4. NASCAR

Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, NASCAR is more than just a cornerstone of American motorsports; it’s also a major player in the local job market.

At NASCAR’s Charlotte office, employees are part of an organization that values innovation, teamwork, and community. NASCAR’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its wide-ranging initiatives designed to enhance the sport’s accessibility and appeal across diverse audiences. The company strives to foster a collaborative environment where ideas can thrive, and employees are encouraged to push the boundaries of what’s possible in both racing and corporate management.

NASCAR provides its workforce with robust professional development programs to nurture skills in various domains such as digital media, event management, and engineering. This focus on employee growth underscores NASCAR’s role as a sports entity and as a dynamic workplace that adapts to the evolving demands of the entertainment and sports industry.

For those passionate about motorsports, marketing, or event management, NASCAR offers a unique environment where professional and personal passions converge. Earning a Master of Sports Leadership can help you become a strategic voice in this industry.

Career opportunities are frequently updated on their careers page, inviting professionals to contribute to the exciting world of racing while growing their careers in a supportive and dynamic setting.

5. Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank is a diversified financial services company that has built a strong presence in Charlotte, North Carolina. Over the years, the company has helped the city establish itself as a major banking center in the United States. With a focus on customer service and community engagement, Fifth Third Bank provides various career opportunities in the financial sector.

The bank is committed to creating a workplace that embraces diversity and where all employees can reach their full potential. With a focus on innovation and responsible banking, Fifth Third Bank actively invests in the latest financial technologies to improve client services and operational efficiency.

The employees at Fifth Third Bank enjoy a supportive work environment with plenty of opportunities for professional and personal development, providing comprehensive training programs and leadership courses designed to help employees excel in their current roles and prepare for future leadership positions.

Fifth Third Bank offers a dynamic and rewarding environment for those interested in finance, risk management, customer relations, or corporate banking.

Though exact educational requirements will vary depending on the position that you’re applying for, earning a master’s degree in finance or human resources management can prepare you for a variety of financial and business roles within the company.

Regular updates on their careers page showcase a variety of positions from entry-level to senior management, reflecting the bank’s ongoing need for talented professionals driven to make a difference in the financial industry.

6. MetLife

MetLife is a global leader in insurance, employee benefits, and financial services, with a significant operational presence in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service and support makes it a prestigious and reliable employer in the financial sector.

At MetLife’s Charlotte facilities, employees work in functions such as actuarial services, risk management, customer support, and digital innovation. The company is dedicated to creating an inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual perspectives.

MetLife is dedicated to the professional development of its employees, offering numerous training programs, mentorship opportunities, and leadership pathways to help individuals advance their careers within the company. This focus on growth and development is coupled with a strong commitment to work-life balance, providing employees with the flexibility to manage their professional and personal lives effectively.

For those looking to build a career in insurance, financial planning, or corporate services, MetLife offers a dynamic and supportive environment where one can develop valuable skills and make significant contributions to the company’s global initiatives. Additional education, like a master’s degree in finance or business, can help you take this next step.

Career opportunities at MetLife are regularly updated on their careers page, inviting professionals to join a team that is dedicated to empowering people to navigate life’s financial challenges. 

7. Honeywell

Honeywell, a global leader in technology and manufacturing, has expanded its presence significantly in Charlotte, North Carolina. This strategic decision has led to Honeywell leveraging the area’s vibrant economic landscape and skilled workforce, offering numerous career opportunities in various high-tech fields.

Employees at Honeywell’s Charlotte facilities work at the cutting edge of sectors, including aerospace, building technologies, performance materials, and safety solutions. The company is renowned for its innovation-driven approach, constantly developing new technologies that improve everyday life and enhance industrial efficiency.

Honeywell is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Employees are encouraged to participate in professional development programs and leadership training designed to hone their skills and prepare them for advancement within the company.

For those passionate about technology, engineering, or sustainability, Honeywell offers a unique opportunity to engage with complex challenges and contribute to meaningful projects that have a global impact. Career opportunities at Honeywell are regularly updated on their careers page, inviting professionals to join a team that is dedicated to shaping the future through powerful innovations.

8. LendingTree

LendingTree is a consumer lending company that provides financing tools, comparative loan searches, and borrowing information to consumers. The company acts as a broker by connecting customers with various lenders, banks, and credit partners through its online exchange. Since LendingTree was founded in 1998, it has facilitated more than 65 million loan requests.

Headquartered in Charlotte, LendingTree has more than 900 employees in the city and even more nationwide. The company takes pride in being a relaxed yet highly motivated workplace. Employees enjoy working in an entrepreneurial, fun, and dynamic environment that allows them to challenge the status quo and build their skills through hands-on experience.

Employment opportunities at LendingTree exist across four primary teams: technology, product management, online marketing, and sales. Because each of these areas requires its own set of professional skills, earning an advanced degree in your field of interest will help you demonstrate your proficiency and expertise. As with the employers listed above, computer science, business administration, and project management degrees remain popular among LendingTree hires.

9. Lowe’s

Lowe’s began as a small-town hardware store in North Carolina in 1946 and has since grown into the second-largest home improvement retailer in the nation. Today, Lowe’s has more than 2,370 retail locations and 290,000 employees in the U.S. The company’s corporate headquarters is located just outside Charlotte in Mooresville, North Carolina.

Although Lowe’s is such a large entity, community involvement is still integral to the company’s culture. Since 2007, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation have contributed more than $250 million to programs focusing on K-12 public education and community involvement projects. Employees at Lowe’s are passionate about social responsibility and are proud to have an impact on the communities in which they work.

For undergraduate and graduate students who are looking to kick off their careers, Lowe’s offers a 10-week summer internship program. This opportunity allows students to gain valuable experience, build their professional skills, and get their foot in the door at a Fortune 50 company. Additionally, recent graduates are eligible for 24-month rotational programs across a variety of fields in which they can gain hands-on experience while building relationships with peers and mentors within the company. Upon program completion, participants are encouraged to apply for full-time positions.

There are many opportunities for employment at Lowe’s corporate headquarters across various fields of interest, including business development, information technology, finance and accounting, real estate, engineering, and more.

While advanced degrees typically are not required of applicants, earning one can help you stand out from the competition and increase your likelihood of being hired. For technical roles, a master’s degree in computer science or analytics can be a good fit, while some of the more business-focused roles may benefit from a degree in project management, leadership, corporate and organizational communication, or innovation.

10. Food Lion

Food Lion is a leading supermarket chain based in Salisbury, just a short drive from Charlotte. The company has numerous locations in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions and employs thousands of people. Food Lion is a key player in the grocery retail sector, dedicated to providing affordable, high-quality groceries and fostering a culture of sustainability and community service.

Food Lion is dedicated to prioritizing the needs of its customers, as evidenced by its continuous endeavors to enrich the shopping experience and contribute to the welfare of local communities through various initiatives. The company strongly emphasizes sustainability by minimizing its environmental footprint and actively engaging in hunger relief efforts, making it an appealing workplace for individuals dedicated to social responsibility and environmental conservation.

The company offers comprehensive training programs and career advancement opportunities, making it a great place for both seasoned professionals and those beginning their careers. Food Lion’s leadership development programs are particularly notable, designed to cultivate future leaders within the company and the broader retail industry.

For those looking to build a career in retail management, logistics, or customer service, Food Lion provides a dynamic environment with numerous paths for professional growth. Regularly updated job listings on their careers page highlight opportunities ranging from store management to distribution and corporate roles.

Preparing for your dream career

In a city that is experiencing rapid growth in employment opportunities, it’s clear to see why many young professionals are looking to build their careers in Charlotte.

From advancing your skill set with a graduate degree in your field of interest to working full-time through Northeastern University’s co-op program, there are many ways for individuals to prepare themselves to join the workforce at one of these top companies and set themselves apart from the competition.

Learn more about how the opportunities at Northeastern University in Charlotte can help prepare you for a successful career in the region and beyond.