Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.5% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 1,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2022.

Total employment in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA market rose by 7,097 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 4.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 28 bps over the same time to 4.1%.

  • New Orleans-Metairie, LA unemployment rate is 36 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 410 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 3.2% 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 February 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 105,600; +800
  • Education & Healthcare: 102,800; +1,400
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 77,000; +900
  • Business Services: 76,000; -1,100
  • Government: 67,500; +1,000
  • Construction, Mining: 34,100; +700
  • Manufacturing: 28,700; +200
  • Financial Services: 28,600; +200
  • Other Jobs: 21,300; +100
  • IT & Development: 8,800; +100
New Orleans-Metairie, LA Unemployment by Industry February 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2022 (Data published April 2022 and reports created on April 6, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.