Overall unemployment rate moved up to 2.9% with the biggest shift in Government, which lost 800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in February 2022.

Total employment in the Chattanooga, TN-GA market declined by 728 jobs in December and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 2.9%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 20 bps over the same time to 3.7%.

  • Chattanooga, TN-GA unemployment rate is 79 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 220 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in December versus prior month by 10.2% 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 December 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.4%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 55,400; +600
  • Government: 37,900; -800
  • Manufacturing: 36,100; +500
  • Education & Healthcare: 34,200; -400
  • Business Services: 28,900; -200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 26,300; -500
  • Financial Services: 22,200; -200
  • Other Jobs: 13,000; +200
  • Construction, Mining: 11,100; -300
  • IT & Development: 2,500; -100
Chattanooga, TN-GA Unemployment by Industry December 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through December 2021 (Data published February 2022 and reports created on February 4, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.