Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.7% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 1,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2022.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market rose by 7,283 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 4.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 28 bps over the same time to 4.1%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 56 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 160 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 5.4% 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 February 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 187,700; -200
  • Business Services: 97,300; +1,400
  • Education & Healthcare: 92,600; +1,100
  • Government: 84,900; +1,200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 61,200; -500
  • Manufacturing: 44,200; +700
  • Financial Services: 28,300; +100
  • Other Jobs: 27,200; +200
  • Construction, Mining: 24,600; +300
  • IT & Development: 5,400; no change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry February 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2022 (Data published April 2022 and reports created on April 6, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.