Overall unemployment rate moved up to 7.5% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in July 2021.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market declined by 3,292 jobs in June and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 120 bps to 7.5%. The national unemployment rate increased by 60 bps over the same time to 6.1%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 141 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 420 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in June versus prior month by 1.2% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment June 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 177,300; +400
  • Business Services: 101,700; +1,700
  • Education & Healthcare: 92,700; -1,300
  • Government: 80,300; -1,500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 63,800; +800
  • Manufacturing: 45,400; +900
  • Financial Services: 29,500; +300
  • Other Jobs: 26,900; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 23,900; -100
  • IT & Development: 5,100; no change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry June 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through June 2021 (Data published July 2021 and reports created on July 28, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.