Overall unemployment rate moved down to 8.6% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA market rose by 1,706 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 8.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • New Orleans-Metairie, LA unemployment rate is 205 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 470 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 7.3% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
New Orleans-Metairie, LA Unemployment February 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 104,300; -500
  • Education & Healthcare: 101,700; +400
  • Business Services: 72,100; +1,500
  • Government: 70,800; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 62,400; +1,200
  • Manufacturing: 29,800; +200
  • Construction, Mining: 28,700; +300
  • Financial Services: 28,200; +200
  • Other Jobs: 21,200; -200
  • IT & Development: 5,400; -100
New Orleans-Metairie, LA Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.