Overall unemployment rate moved up to 8.9% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in July 2021.

Total employment in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA market rose by 2,463 jobs in June and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 8.9%. The national unemployment rate increased by 60 bps over the same time to 6.1%.

  • New Orleans-Metairie, LA unemployment rate is 281 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 370 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in June versus prior month by 2.9% 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 June 2021

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 103,900; +500
  • Education & Healthcare: 102,700; +700
  • Business Services: 71,700; +1,400
  • Government: 70,800; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 66,100; +1,100
  • Financial Services: 28,900; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 28,700; +500
  • Manufacturing: 28,700; +200
  • Other Jobs: 21,700; no change
  • IT & Development: 5,400; -300
New Orleans-Metairie, LA Unemployment by Industry June 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through June 2021 (Data published July 2021 and reports created on July 28, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.