(The Center Square) – Tennessee’s June unemployment rate was 3.5% for the third straight month as nonfarm jobs increased by 6,100.
The number is just slightly higher than the June 2024 rate of 3.3% and lower than the national average of 4.1%, according to information from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
The average weekly earnings dropped by $22.13 from $1,022.95 to $1,000.82. It remains below the national level, which increased by $7.40 in June to $1,187.38.
The state’s average hourly earnings are down 48 cents in June from $24.96 to $24.47. The national average is up slightly to $28.82, according to the department.
The sectors with the most job growth in June were professional and business services, education and health services and trade, transportation and utilities. Durable goods manufacturing, the federal government and construction had the biggest decreases, according to the department. Tennessee gained 6,100 net jobs in June.
Job growth has been steady over the year in the Volunteer State, with the addition of 22,900 net jobs, the department said. Government, leisure and hospitality and the education and health services sector grew the most year over year.
The three sectors that lost the most jobs over the year are construction, administrative, support and waste services and nondurable goods manufacturing.