Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.1% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL market rose by 8,871 jobs in July and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 3.1%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 43 bps over the same time to 5.7%.

  • Birmingham-Hoover, AL unemployment rate is 256 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 440 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in July versus prior month by 3.9% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Birmingham-Hoover, AL Unemployment July 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 107,300; +400
  • Government: 84,000; -600
  • Education & Healthcare: 76,100; +900
  • Business Services: 73,000; +300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 50,500; +300
  • Financial Services: 41,600; -200
  • Manufacturing: 37,600; -300
  • Construction, Mining: 31,000; -100
  • Other Jobs: 29,000; no change
  • IT & Development: 8,300; +200
Birmingham-Hoover, AL Unemployment by Industry July 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through July 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 1, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.