Rowan Works: Careers in Advanced Manufacturing, Logistics, Healthcare, and Retail Trade

A community just one hour north of Charlotte off Interstate 85 is buzzing with opportunity. Whether you’re a recent graduate, someone considering a career change, or a skilled professional looking to relocate to the area, Rowan County offers a powerful combination of job availability, employer diversity, and accessible training programs that make it easy to build a fulfilling career — right here at home.

Much of this momentum is the result of the Forward Rowan campaign, a strategic initiative that has fueled job growth and economic development across the county over the past five years.

“Over the past five years, our Forward Rowan campaign has helped drive tremendous job growth across Rowan County, opening the door to new opportunities for both newcomers and long-time residents,” said Rod Crider, President of Rowan EDC. “We’ve seen firsthand how targeted investment and strong public-private partnerships can spark meaningful change in our community. As we look to the future, we’re committed to continuing that momentum — increasing prosperity, reducing poverty, and improving the quality of life for all Rowan Countians.”

From making things to moving them, from healthcare to retail, the range of industries that call Rowan home is as wide as it is rewarding. This article dives into what opportunities are ready and available for you!

Advanced Manufacturing: The Backbone of Rowan’s Economy

Advanced manufacturing plays a critical role in Rowan’s local economy, providing high-quality jobs and room for long-term career growth.

Major employers in this sector include Daimler Truck North America, Teijin Automotive, DuPont, Clayton Rockwell, Hexagon Agility, Innospec Performance Chemicals, Westlake, Henkel, Power Curbers, and AMREP — the latter of which recently announced a significant expansion.

These companies offer careers for machine operators, welders, maintenance technicians, quality control inspectors, engineers, and other skilled trades. With competitive wages and career advancement opportunities, advanced manufacturing continues to anchor Rowan’s economic strength.

Logistics & Distribution: Moving the Region Forward

Thanks to Rowan County’s strategic location along the I-85 corridor, logistics and distribution companies have rapidly expanded here, bringing with them a steady supply of job opportunities.

National brands such as Macy’s Fulfillment Center, Chewy, Chick-fil-A Supply, REBEL, and Dillard’s Distribution Center have all established significant operations in the county.

Positions in this sector range from forklift operators and warehouse associates to logistics coordinators and operations managers. These roles play a vital part in keeping supply chains efficient and responsive, making logistics a growing and dependable career field in Rowan.

Healthcare Services: A Sector with Strong Demand

Healthcare is another major industry driving employment in Rowan County. With employers like Novant Health Rowan Medical Center and the Salisbury VA Health Care System, the healthcare sector offers a broad array of positions ranging from registered nurses (RNs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to medical assistants, behavioral health professionals, lab techs, and administrative staff.

Nurses alone make up the single largest sector in healthcare, with over 2.6 million employed in the U.S.—more than doctors, pharmacists, or dentists. In North Carolina, employment for registered nurses is projected to grow 11 percent between 2018 and 2028, making healthcare not only a vital service but also a promising career path.

Retail Trade: Sales, Service, and Career Growth

Retail remains one of Rowan County’s most accessible and flexible employment sectors, with opportunities that span a wide range of skills and experience levels. Food Lion, whose corporate headquarters and a major distribution hub are located in Salisbury, anchors the sector as one of the region’s largest employers. The company offers positions ranging from store associates and department managers to corporate roles in marketing, logistics, IT, and finance.

Another major employer, General RV — one of the largest RV retailers in the country — also brings unique career paths to the area. In addition to sales positions, General RV is actively hiring for RV service technicians and diagnostic technicians, who handle interior, exterior, electrical, and plumbing system repairs. These hands-on technical roles come with paid training and offer a great option for those looking to enter a skilled trade without prior RV experience.

Whether you’re drawn to retail leadership, customer service, or mechanical work, Rowan County’s retail industry provides a variety of meaningful and rewarding career opportunities.

Training for Tomorrow’s Careers

A key component of Rowan County’s workforce success is the presence of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC), which offers career-focused programs tailored to the needs of local employers. For those interested in healthcare, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College provides an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), as well as programs in healthcare management technology, occupational and physical therapy assisting, radiography, dental assisting, and nursing aide training. These offerings are designed to prepare students for in-demand healthcare careers that are expected to continue growing in the coming years.

For those leaning toward manufacturing and skilled trades, Rowan-Cabarrus Community College’s programs in welding technology, electrical systems, mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, and mechatronics provide hands-on training and certification that can lead directly into job opportunities. Welding, in particular, is a high-demand field in Rowan County, with many local manufacturers actively seeking trained professionals.

For a fast-track option into manufacturing, the North Carolina Manufacturing Institute — located in Rowan County — offers an 8- or 16-week Certified Production Technician program. This intensive program equips participants with the technical skills and industry-recognized certifications needed to begin working immediately upon completion. Learn more at www.ncmanufacturinginstitute.com.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re looking for a job or considering a move to Rowan County, be sure to visit www.WorkInRowan.com to browse local job listings.

For those relocating from outside the area — or even those returning home — Rowan EDC offers a free Concierge Relocation Service designed to help job seekers connect with local employers and feel like a local faster. Learn more or get started at www.rowanedc.com/concierge-relocation-service.

In Rowan County, opportunity isn’t just knocking — it’s working. And so can you.

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