The Tri-Cities job market took another step back in July, marking the third straight month of payroll declines. Local businesses are navigating a tough mix of uncertainty—from tariffs to immigration concerns—that’s showing up in the numbers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the region shed about 1,800 jobs from June to July. However, once seasonal shifts were factored in, the adjusted numbers actually showed a modest gain of 500 jobs. Still, the headline unemployment rate ticked up to 4.7%, with Greeneville posting the sharpest increase—up to 6.8%.

Despite the month-to-month turbulence, the region is not in full retreat. Compared to last year, the Tri-Cities is still ahead, with 3,300 more jobs than July 2024.

July’s job churn followed a familiar pattern. Government jobs took the steepest hit, while retail, finance, private education, healthcare, and hospitality also saw losses. Construction was the lone bright spot, posting gains that hint at ongoing demand in the building sector.

Healthcare continues to dominate local job demand. Registered nurses top the “most-wanted” list with 211 openings, and the healthcare and social assistance sector accounts for nearly 900 active job postings across the region.

By the Numbers

• Total job openings: 5,051 (down slightly from 5,118 in June)
• Average local wage: $28.23/hour (below Tennessee’s $33.90 average)
• Unemployment claims: 1,052, led by administrative and support services

One of the region’s long-running struggles remains workforce participation. Just over half (53.3%) of working-age residents are part of the labor force—well below both the U.S. average (62.6%) and Tennessee’s (60.2%). Local counties vary widely:

• Washington: 59.6%
• Unicoi: 53.8%
• Sullivan: 54.2%
• Carter: 51.3%
• Greene: 48.5%
• Hawkins: 47.8%

July’s dip in jobs, coupled with rising unemployment and stubbornly low wages, paints a cautious picture for the local economy. But the year-over-year growth suggests there’s still momentum in the pipeline. Healthcare and construction remain the sectors to watch, and both are expected to help steady the labor market as the year continues.

Categories: LABOR MARKET