Chattanooga, TN – According to the statement, Tennessee’s unemployment rate saw a slight increase in September, rising to 3.2%, according to data released by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). This marks a one-tenth of a percentage point increase from the previous month’s rate of 3.1%. Despite the uptick, the state’s unemployment rate remains nearly one percentage point below the national average.
Earlier in the year, Tennessee achieved a record-low unemployment rate of 3% during May, June, and July. Compared to September 2023, when the unemployment rate stood at 3.4%, the state has made modest progress over the past year.
Tennessee employers added 3,300 nonfarm jobs between August and September 2024, with the health care and social assistance sector leading the growth. The retail trade sector and the professional, scientific, and technical services sector also contributed to the job gains.
Over the past 12 months, total nonfarm employment in the state has increased by 31,100 jobs. The education and health services sector saw the most significant growth, followed by gains in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, and other services.
The TDLWD provides a full analysis of the state’s September 2024 unemployment data on its website.