Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.5% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 2,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market rose by 2,815 jobs in October and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 4.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 24 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 540 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 3.6% 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 October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 179,400; +1,200
  • Business Services: 106,300; +2,100
  • Education & Healthcare: 92,100; -100
  • Government: 84,000; +500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 63,600; +400
  • Manufacturing: 44,800; +100
  • Financial Services: 29,200; -400
  • Other Jobs: 26,600; -300
  • Construction, Mining: 24,100; +600
  • IT & Development: 5,000; no change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry October 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on December 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.