Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,900 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2023.

Total employment in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA market declined by 1,249 jobs in April and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 53 bps over the same time to 3.1%.

  • New Orleans-Metairie, LA unemployment rate is 20 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 10 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in April versus prior month by 3.6% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
New Orleans-Metairie, LA Unemployment April 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 110,600; +1,600
  • Transportation & Utilities: 107,600; -700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 79,100; -600
  • Business Services: 77,400; +800
  • Government: 69,700; +1,900
  • Construction, Mining: 33,000; +400
  • Manufacturing: 29,900; +100
  • Financial Services: 28,800; -100
  • Other Jobs: 23,100; no change
  • IT & Development: 9,000; +100
New Orleans-Metairie, LA Unemployment by Industry April 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through April 2023 (Data published June 2023 and reports created on June 8,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.