Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.2% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which lost 1,900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2023.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market declined by 1,880 jobs in April and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 3.2%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 53 bps over the same time to 3.1%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 10 bps above the national rate which is a negative 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 April versus prior month by 7.5% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment April 2023

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 182,800; -1,900
  • Business Services: 100,600; -700
  • Education & Healthcare: 98,600; -300
  • Government: 88,300; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 63,500; +1,000
  • Manufacturing: 44,800; -100
  • Other Jobs: 28,400; +200
  • Financial Services: 26,800; -400
  • Construction, Mining: 25,500; +200
  • IT & Development: 5,500; -200
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry April 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through April 2023 (Data published June 2023 and reports created on June 8,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.