Overall unemployment rate moved up to 3.9% with the biggest shift in Restaurants & Hotels, which gained 800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2021.

Total employment in the Chattanooga, TN-GA market rose by 1,215 jobs in May and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.9%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 25 bps over the same time to 5.5%.

  • Chattanooga, TN-GA unemployment rate is 160 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 480 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in May versus prior month by 9.5% 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 May 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.0% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 53,300; +200
  • Government: 37,200; +700
  • Manufacturing: 34,500; +200
  • Education & Healthcare: 33,900; -300
  • Business Services: 28,300; +500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 25,700; +800
  • Financial Services: 22,600; +500
  • Other Jobs: 12,200; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 11,100; no change
  • IT & Development: 2,600; +100
Chattanooga, TN-GA Unemployment by Industry May 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through May 2021 (Data published June 2021 and reports created on June 30, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.