Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.2% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 1,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL market rose by 3,306 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 2.2%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Birmingham-Hoover, AL unemployment rate is 169 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 60 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 9.3% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Birmingham-Hoover, AL Unemployment February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 113,500; -700
  • Government: 88,600; +200
  • Business Services: 75,400; +600
  • Education & Healthcare: 74,300; +1,000
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 46,800; -100
  • Financial Services: 43,500; -100
  • Manufacturing: 39,000; +300
  • Construction, Mining: 31,800; -200
  • Other Jobs: 31,600; no change
  • IT & Development: 9,400; +100
Birmingham-Hoover, AL Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.