Overall unemployment rate moved up to 4.4% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which lost 1,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2022.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market declined by 3,441 jobs in May and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 4.4%. The national unemployment rate increased by 4 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 102 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 190 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in May versus prior month by 7.6% 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 May 2022

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

  • Transportation & Utilities: 186,700; -100
  • Business Services: 99,200; +900
  • Education & Healthcare: 92,400; -1,100
  • Government: 83,300; -300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 66,800; +900
  • Manufacturing: 44,200; +200
  • Financial Services: 28,300; -300
  • Other Jobs: 27,300; -300
  • Construction, Mining: 26,800; +900
  • IT & Development: 5,400; no change
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry May 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through May 2022 (Data published June 2022 and reports created on June 29, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.