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Memphis offers a diverse, metropolitan workforce at wage rates that are lower than most other parts of the country. The region is home to a host of world-class higher education institutions, the largest community college in Tennessee, a number of public and private vocational and technical training facilities and a long list of quality public and private school systems. Over the past three decades, the presence of companies like FedEx and the region’s superior distribution infrastructure have earned Memphis the title, “America’s Distribution Center.” During the same period the region’s workforce has a higher percentage of logistics workers than any other metropolitan area in the country.

Did you know:

• Tennessee is a right to work state.
• The median age of the Memphis workforce is 35.
• Memphis has a large concentration of corporate offices, logistics and life science employees.
• Memphis offers exceptional universities, community colleges and vocational/technical schools with tailored programs for industry.
• Click here to learn of the many training and assistance programs offered as incentives to developing and maintaining a highly qualified and skilled workforce.
• Click here to learn more about training and assistance programs specific to the transportation and logistics industry in "Memphis: America's Aerotropolis."

Workforce Depth + Breadth

Not only does Memphis draw from a three-state labor pool (Memphis Metropolitan Statistical Area), employment ranges across the spectrum of industries. Employment is relatively balanced among industries giving the Memphis workforce breadth in both skills and experience. Here’s a quick look at the Memphis metro workforce in November 2011 (latest non-preliminary data available):

• Civilian Labor Force - 625,230
• Total Employment - 563.089
• Unemployed - 62,141
• Unemployment Rate - 9.9%

Workforce Training: Memphis-Area Colleges & Universities

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Labor Data Tool

Real-time Workforce Information

The Greater Memphis Chamber recently conducted a regional workforce analysis designed to assist businesses finding the qualified workers they need. This exhaustive study included interviews with 3,110 workers, 191 employer surveys, interviews with 65 key workforce influencers and five focus groups with community representatives in the 52 counties surrounding Memphis.

The data delivery system allows users to develop custom reports from the wealth of data that has been collected through the workforce analysis process. Reports can be developed for sub-sets of counties within the region and for individual counties. The data is GIS based-allowing the user to create custom labor profiles within a radius of a specific site or employer. Click here to use the labor data tool.

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Memphis Workforce Assets

Huge Hidden Potential Workforce*

• Underemployed 177,604
• Not Employed, Wanting Work 483,440
• Over 20% of the Memphis Workforce are college graduates
• Total Hidden Labor Supply 661,044

Large Percentage of Employed & Unemployed are Interested in Training*

• 42.6% Want to Upgrade Skills – 458,335
• Leading Fields of Interest among Workforce are Nursing and other medical-related fields

Employers Report*:

• Above Average Work Ethic and Productivity
• Good Availability of Unskilled and Semi-Skilled Workers
• Region Perceived as a Low Wage Location
• Belief that Region Can Support Higher Skilled Emerging Industries

Excellent Foundation for Economic Expansion*

• Higher Number of Post-secondary Institutions than Comparable Southeastern Regions
• Good Corporate Presence and Base
• FedEx Hub and Other Excellent Transportation Assets
• Existing Industry Clusters

*Note: data from the 52 county region in Southwest Tennessee, Northern Mississippi, Eastern Arkansas and Southeast Missouri surrounding Memphis

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Employment by Industry

Memphis Metro Employment by Industry, 2009-2010

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Memphis-Area Wages by Occupation Type

Memphis Metro Wages by Occupation Type, May 2011

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Memphis Youth Career Development Program

The Memphis Youth Career Development Program (MYCDP) is a partnership with the Greater Memphis Chamber and Cummins Inc. The program will provide a work learning experience to youth by acquainting them with career opportunities as identified in the MemphisED Fast Forward Initiative. The program will develop employable, manageable, prepared individuals to succeed in the emerging workforce.

For more information about the MYCD Program, click here.

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