Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 4.2% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market rose by 7,014 jobs in February and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 31 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 50 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 7.8% 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 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.9% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 186,200; -300
  • Business Services: 101,200; +1,600
  • Education & Healthcare: 98,800; +1,500
  • Government: 88,300; +2,400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 61,700; +700
  • Manufacturing: 44,600; +100
  • Other Jobs: 28,100; -100
  • Financial Services: 27,400; +200
  • Construction, Mining: 25,600; +200
  • IT & Development: 5,600; -100
Memphis, TN-MS-AR 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.