Record-Breaking Private Sector Wage Growth
Caldwell County ranked 20th out of North Carolina’s 100 counties for wage growth in 2023. Since 2015, wages have grown an impressive 51.5%.
There is a long tradition of manufacturing here in Caldwell County. In fact, the county is home to several companies which have been manufacturing products locally for over a century. Today, the tradition continues as close to a quarter of all Caldwell County jobs are in some way tied to the manufacturing sector.
While Caldwell County remains strong in its heritage industries like textiles and furniture - the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton MSA remains #1 in the country for furniture production – others such as metal fabrication and food processing are using cutting edge manufacturing techniques, coupled with Caldwell County’s advantageous utilities and trained workforce, to successfully establish themselves in the region.
Caldwell County would like to recognize our county's manufacturers during Manufacturing Week, Oct 2nd-Oct 6th, 2026. Below is a list of local events in support of our manufacturing industry.
Golf Tournament - Country Club - Tuesday, Oct 3rd - 8am to 4pm
Business Luncheon - Restaurant - Wednesday, Oct 4th - 11:30am to 1:30pm
Facility Tours for HS Students - Thursday, Oct 5th - 8am to 4pm