Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 6.3% with the biggest shift in Restaurants & Hotels, which gained 2,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2021.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market rose by 2,891 jobs in May and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate decreased by 25 bps over the same time to 5.5%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 80 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 360 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 0.5% 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 May 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 175,900; +1,000
  • Business Services: 100,000; +500
  • Education & Healthcare: 94,000; +700
  • Government: 81,800; -900
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 62,200; +2,400
  • Manufacturing: 44,800; +500
  • Financial Services: 29,200; +700
  • Other Jobs: 26,600; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 24,000; +100
  • IT & Development: 5,100; no change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR 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.