Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which lost 1,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in May 2023.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market rose by 1,772 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 27 bps over the same time to 3.6%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 18 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 20 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 7.9% 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 March 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.1%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 184,900; -1,700
  • Business Services: 101,200; -100
  • Education & Healthcare: 98,900; +300
  • Government: 88,300; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 62,700; +1,000
  • Manufacturing: 44,900; +100
  • Other Jobs: 28,100; no change
  • Financial Services: 27,200; -200
  • Construction, Mining: 25,200; -300
  • IT & Development: 5,600; -100
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry March 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2023 (Data published May 2023 and reports created on May 9,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.