Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.7% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Chattanooga, TN-GA market declined by 1,212 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 3.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Chattanooga, TN-GA unemployment rate is 159 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 290 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 9% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Chattanooga, TN-GA Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 53,600; -200
  • Government: 37,600; +2,700
  • Manufacturing: 34,800; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 33,900; +700
  • Business Services: 28,800; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 26,700; -1,100
  • Financial Services: 22,300; -100
  • Other Jobs: 12,300; -200
  • Construction, Mining: 11,700; no change
  • IT & Development: 2,600; no change
Chattanooga, TN-GA Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.