This report examines the status of women in North Carolina in terms of their employment, earnings, and occupations. The report includes an Employment & Earnings Composite Index comprised of four indicators--women's median annual earnings, the gender wage ratio, women's labor force participation rate, and the share of employed women in managerial or professional occupations--that provide a basis to rank and grade each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The report explores trends over time in North Carolina and, whenever possible, analyzes data by county and metropolitan area and differences by race and ethnicity. "The Status of Women in North Carolina: Employment & Earnings" is the first report in a series of four publications that discuss data and recommend policies to improve North Carolina women's status in several key areas. As a resource for advocates, employers, philanthropists, policymakers, and other stakeholders, "The Status of Women in North Carolina" series provides the research and analysis necessary to make data-driven decisions about how to prioritize investments, set programmatic goals and strategies, and shape public policies to improve the lives of women and families. [This report was supported by Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. For "The Status of Women in North Carolina: Health and Wellness," see ED627023. For "Political Participation," see ED627022. For "Poverty and Opportunity," see ED627021.]