Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.1% with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which gained 4,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in January 2022.

Total employment in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR market declined by 1,478 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 4.1%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 4 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Memphis, TN-MS-AR unemployment rate is 74 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 November versus prior month by 6.2% 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 November 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.1% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 193,700; +4,000
  • Business Services: 102,500; +2,200
  • Education & Healthcare: 97,600; +300
  • Government: 84,900; +700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 66,900; +700
  • Manufacturing: 44,000; -300
  • Financial Services: 29,000; -100
  • Other Jobs: 27,900; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 25,800; -400
Memphis, TN-MS-AR Unemployment by Industry November 2022

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

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.