(RALEIGH) -- Over the past two years, the United States has added about two percent to the job base, while North Carolina has added just one-half a percent. That's despite the fact that North Carolina has outperformed the nation in terms of production of economic output.

N.C. State economist Dr. Mike Walden says there may be several reasons for the disparity. "One is that oftentimes, employment gains lag output gains, and so there may simply be a longer lag here in North Carolina due to the structure of our industry," he said.

Production of economic output includes what's being produced in factories, in farms and the service industry.