Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.9% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Chattanooga, TN-GA market rose by 1,206 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 80 bps to 2.9%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Chattanooga, TN-GA unemployment rate is 166 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 330 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 7.5% 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.9% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 54,000; +600
  • Government: 39,000; +1,500
  • Manufacturing: 35,100; +300
  • Education & Healthcare: 34,700; +900
  • Business Services: 29,000; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 26,300; -600
  • Financial Services: 22,200; -100
  • Other Jobs: 12,100; -200
  • Construction, Mining: 11,500; -200
  • IT & Development: 2,600; no change
Chattanooga, TN-GA Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.