Overall unemployment rate moved up to 5.5% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 1,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in August 2022.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market declined by 1,510 jobs in June and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 110 bps to 5.5%. The national unemployment rate increased by 46 bps over the same time to 3.8%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 166 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 210 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in June versus prior month by 5% and are down 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 June 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 188,800; +1,700
  • Business Services: 98,700; -400
  • Education & Healthcare: 92,800; +500
  • Government: 82,800; -600
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 66,700; no change
  • Manufacturing: 44,100; +100
  • Financial Services: 28,800; +600
  • Other Jobs: 27,800; +500
  • Construction, Mining: 26,700; no change
  • IT & Development: 5,400; no change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry June 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through June 2022 (Data published August 2022 and reports created on August 3, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.