Microsoft Corp. is expanding its North Carolina footprint by hiring new workers to build out its engineering and quantum computing businesses.
The software maker and Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Friday that the $23 million expansion in Charlotte aims to create 430 new jobs by 2023.
"The opportunity that we have to grow our base and our talent in North Carolina is an exciting one," said Reggie Isaac, Microsoft Charlotte campus director. "Microsoft is pleased to be empowering customers, partners and employees in the Charlotte area and looks forward to the projects ahead."
The Redmond, Washington-based company could receive $8.5 million in state incentives over time if it meets job-creation and investment goals. A state panel awarded an incentives deal to Microsoft minutes before Microsoft executives and Cooper unveiled the expansion at a Charlotte event. The state Commerce Department says North Carolina won out over competing offers from Irving, Texas and Fargo, North Dakota.
Microsoft already has 1,400 employees in North Carolina, with 1,150 in Charlotte. Average salaries for the new jobs could reach almost $99,000.
"It is a testament to our business environment and the quality of our skilled labor pool that Microsoft would choose to expand operations and grow its partnership with the Charlotte region," Charlotte mayor Vi Lyles said. "Microsoft has been extremely active in the Charlotte community and we are excited that it will be an even larger part of the our thriving tech industry."
