Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.9% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 4,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market rose by 9,303 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 3.9%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 37 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 1 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 310 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in November versus prior month by 2.9% and are up 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 November 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 183,600; +4,000
  • Business Services: 105,500; +1,000
  • Education & Healthcare: 91,100; -400
  • Government: 83,600; -400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 64,700; +600
  • Manufacturing: 44,700; +100
  • Financial Services: 29,300; +200
  • Other Jobs: 27,200; +600
  • Construction, Mining: 24,800; +200
  • IT & Development: 5,000; no change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry November 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through November 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on January 6, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.