Overall unemployment rate moved up to 2.7% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 2,300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL market rose by 7,999 jobs in November and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 2.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 37 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Birmingham-Hoover, AL unemployment rate is 119 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 90 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in November versus prior month by 1.1% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Birmingham-Hoover, AL Unemployment November 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 109,800; +2,300
  • Government: 86,900; +500
  • Education & Healthcare: 77,700; -700
  • Business Services: 75,500; -100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 50,300; +500
  • Financial Services: 42,600; +200
  • Manufacturing: 38,700; +300
  • Construction, Mining: 31,700; -100
  • Other Jobs: 29,000; +300
  • IT & Development: 8,300; +100
Birmingham-Hoover, AL Unemployment by Industry November 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through November 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on January 6, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.