Overall unemployment rate moved up to 2.5% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 1,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Birmingham-Hoover, AL market declined by 2,381 jobs in October and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 2.5%. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Birmingham-Hoover, AL unemployment rate is 90 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 10 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 3.8% 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 October 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 114,200; +1,400
  • Government: 88,200; +900
  • Education & Healthcare: 78,100; -200
  • Business Services: 71,900; -700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 48,500; -300
  • Financial Services: 44,000; no change
  • Manufacturing: 39,900; +300
  • Construction, Mining: 33,800; no change
  • Other Jobs: 31,700; +200
Birmingham-Hoover, AL Unemployment by Industry October 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2022 (Data published December 2022 and reports created on December 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.