Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.5% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 8,200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN market declined by 7,877 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 3.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN unemployment rate is 179 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 400 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 7.3% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Unemployment August 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 206,900; -700
  • Business Services: 183,400; +900
  • Education & Healthcare: 153,600; +1,300
  • Government: 116,900; +8,200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 107,600; -1,300
  • Manufacturing: 81,600; +200
  • Financial Services: 74,900; +400
  • Construction, Mining: 49,700; -300
  • Other Jobs: 41,200; -800
  • IT & Development: 25,500; +200
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.