Tennessee Unemployment 3.6%, Remains Below U.S. 4.4%
Summary
Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.6% in February 2026, up one-tenth from the prior month and from one year ago when it was 3.5%. The national rate was 4.4%, making Tennessee's rate eight-tenths of a percentage point lower. Total nonfarm employment decreased by 6,400 jobs over the past year, with the largest losses in trade, transportation, and utilities, followed by manufacturing and federal government.
What changed
This news release reports Tennessee's February 2026 unemployment rate at 3.6%, compared to the national rate of 4.4%. The state's rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point from January and from one year prior, though it remains below the national average. Total nonfarm employment fell by 6,400 jobs over the past year and by 9,200 jobs from January to February, with the largest declines in trade, transportation, utilities, manufacturing, and federal government sectors.\n\nThis is an informational economic data release with no compliance obligations or regulatory requirements. The announcement promotes free resume assistance services available at American Job Centers and notes upcoming county-level unemployment data will be released on April 23, 2026. No action is required by employers or other parties.
Archived snapshot
Apr 17, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Tennessee Unemployment Rate Remains Well Below U.S. Rate
State’s February Rate of 3.6% is Eight-Tenths of a Percentage Point Less Than National Rate
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 01:30pm
NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s unemployment rate continues to track well below the national average, according to the latest data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD).
In February, Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.6%, up slightly from the previous month and from one year ago, when the rate was 3.5%.
Despite the uptick, Tennessee continues to outperform the U.S. rate, which was 4.4% in February. The national rate is up one-tenth of a percentage point from January and two-tenths of a percentage point from a year ago.
Over the past year, total nonfarm employment in Tennessee decreased by 6,400 jobs. The largest declines were in the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, followed by manufacturing and federal government.
Between January and February, total nonfarm employment in the state decreased by 9,200 jobs, with the biggest losses in the private education and health services sector, followed by the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, and the leisure and hospitality sector.
TDLWD has compiled a comprehensive analysis of the February 2026 unemployment data.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your resume, whether you're exploring new opportunities or growing in your current role.
Career specialists at nearly 80 American Job Centers across Tennessee are ready to help you polish your resume so it stands out among other applications in a competitive job market. This personalized service is available to you at no cost. Spring cleaning for your resume ensures your skills and experience are presented in the best possible light. Visit your local American Job Center today to get started.
Tennessee will release the February 2026 unemployment data for each of the state’s 95 counties on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. CDT.
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