Tennessee Unemployment Rate Remains Below National Average

Tennessee’s unemployment rate continues to remain below the national average, according to the latest data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February was 3.6%, up slightly from 3.5% in January and from one year ago.

Despite the increase, Tennessee’s rate remains lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.4% for February.

Over the past year, total nonfarm employment in Tennessee decreased by 6,400 jobs, with the largest declines in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, followed by manufacturing and federal government.

From January to February, nonfarm employment declined by 9,200 jobs. The biggest losses were reported in the private education and health services sector, along with trade, transportation, and utilities, and leisure and hospitality.

Officials say free assistance is available for job seekers through American Job Centers across the state, including help with resume preparation and career development.

County-level unemployment data for February is scheduled to be released April 23 at 1:30 PM CDT.