Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.9% with the biggest shift in Government, which lost 700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Chattanooga, TN-GA market rose by 2,811 jobs in July and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 150 bps to 3.9%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 43 bps over the same time to 5.7%.

  • Chattanooga, TN-GA unemployment rate is 176 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 390 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 7.1% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Chattanooga, TN-GA Unemployment July 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 53,700; -100
  • Manufacturing: 34,900; +100
  • Government: 34,700; -700
  • Education & Healthcare: 33,200; -200
  • Business Services: 28,600; +300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 28,000; +100
  • Financial Services: 22,500; -200
  • Other Jobs: 12,500; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 11,700; +200
  • IT & Development: 2,600; no change
Chattanooga, TN-GA 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.