Josh Peterson

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Coffee County unemployment rate jumps by nearly 1 percent in June

Each June, Tennessee counties experience an increase in unemployment as schools close for summer break and lay off workers. Recent college graduates entering the workforce for the first time also impact the data each year. Once again this June, data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) showed jobless rates increased in each of the state’s 95 counties.

In Coffee County, the unemployment rate for June stands at 5.3 percent. This is up 0.9 of a percentage point from the rate of 4.4 percent in May. The 5.3 rate is still far ahead of June 2020, when the unemployment rate stood at 10.2 percent.

While county rates increased in June, the statewide rate ticked down. This can occur because county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted, while the state and national rates use the seasonal adjustment to eliminate outside influences, such as school closures, on the statistics.

In June, unemployment rates were less than 5% in 19 Tennessee counties. Seventy-five counties had rates 5% or greater but less than 10%, and one county showed a rate higher than 10%.

Williamson County recorded the state’s lowest unemployment rate. At 3.4%, the county’s June rate increased 0.7 of a percentage point from the previous month.
Perry County’s rate jumped to 13% in June, a spike of 5.9 percentage points when compared to May’s rate.

The statewide unemployment rate for June decreased 0.1 of a percentage point to 4.9%. That is 4.4 percentage points lower than Tennessee’s rate in June 2020.

Nationally, unemployment increased slightly in June from 5.8% to 5.9%. This rate is down 5.2 percentage points when compared to June 2020.



The state has valuable resources available to help unemployed Tennesseans become TN Work Ready and reenter the workforce. They can visit www.TNWorkReady.com to find online and in-person assistance with their job search.

71% of Tennesseans more confident in travel than 3 months ago, survey finds

Traveler confidence is soaring, according to a new AAA Travel survey, fielded in late June. According to the data, nearly three-quarters of Tennesseans (71%) feel more comfortable traveling now than they did three months ago.

Over the course of the past three quarterly AAA Travel surveys, residents’ comfort level has significantly increased as their concern about COVID-19 waned.


Top reasons Tennesseans feel more confident traveling:

· Received their COVID-19 vaccination (47%)
· More confident in safety measures being implemented (31%)
· Less afraid about the dangers of the virus (25%)

Of those who are already or plan to be vaccinated, 39% say travel was a motivating factor in doing so.
“AAA has experienced a surge in demand for travel as more Americans have become vaccinated and feel confident in their ability to vacation safely,” said Debbie Haas, Vice President of Travel for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA travel advisors have been inundated with calls from people who want help navigating the growing options for travel.  Cruises and guided vacations are fully staffed and typically operating in 2021 with less than full capacity of guests, making a more intimate experience.  In addition, these trips are largely inclusive of meals and activities, making it easier to choose a great value for travel in 2021. Our team members who are traveling this summer are having a great time.”

Travel Plans

Nearly seven in ten (69%) Tennesseans have already traveled or plan to take a trip in 2021. Three in five of those (60%) will take their next trip sometime between July and September. Travel volumes have greatly increased from the 54% of Tennesseans who traveled in 2020.

Tennesseans’ Top 5 Vacations in Q3:

· Beach Destination (38%)
· City/Major Metro Destination (28%)
· National/State Park (24%)
· Lake Destination (16%)
· Theme Park (15%)


Cruising

A growing number of Tennesseans are back on board with the idea of cruising. According to new survey data, two in five (40%) Tennesseans feel comfortable taking an ocean or river cruise, with more than a third (35%) planning to cruise in the future.

“We are seeing tremendous enthusiasm among travelers who are ready to set sail on a cruise,” Haas continued. “Ships are filling up fast in 2021. Next year is looking even stronger, as 2022 cruise bookings with AAA are outpacing what we saw in 2019.  New options for cruising in 2021 are emerging weekly, so travel advisors can watch for options if they know of your interests.”

Traveler Confusion

A third (33%) of Tennesseans are finding it challenging to understand the COVID-related requirements for international travel. That’s because restrictions and protocols can vary depending on the destination and type of trip, and change as governments adapt to the local situation.

“The value of a travel advisor is greater now than ever before,” Haas continued. “AAA travel advisors have exclusive tools to quickly navigate requirements for each destination, helping travelers make informed decisions and prepare for their trip. Additionally, we leverage long-standing relationships with travel providers to provide options and special benefits that travelers can’t find anywhere else.”

Travel Insurance

Nearly two in five Tennesseans (38%) say they are more likely to purchase travel insurance now than before the pandemic began.

“Travelers were quickly reminded last year that unexpected events can impact your trip at any time,” Haas continued. “Travel insurance is extremely important in today’s environment. There are various policies that can help offset unexpected out of pocket expenses, in case you get sick or your trip is cancelled or delayed.  Plus, Travel Insurance provides a range of coverage options in the event that a hurricane disrupts your travel plans.  Our travel advisors can help you choose a policy that will allow you to relax and enjoy your vacation.”

Tennessee in top half of population growth among states since 2010 Census

With less natural population growth and decreased immigration, the population of the United States has been growing more slowly every year since 2015, according to new Census Bureau estimates. In fact, the 0.35% growth rate between 2019 and 2020 represents the lowest growth rate in more than a century.

America is now an aging nation, as the age brackets for residents 55 and older are expanding at a pace that far exceeds the younger brackets. Over the past decade, the population of retirement-age residents (65 to 74 years old) soared 48.9% according to Census figures, while those 75 or older grew 24.1%, and those 55 to 64 increased 15.3%. In comparison, the total U.S. population increased by just 6.5% over the same time period, with certain age cohorts experiencing a population decline.

Such dramatic demographic shifts have reshaped the makeup of entire regions, states, and cities as the eldest generation increasingly moves from traditional job havens across the Rust Belt and Northeast to more retirement-friendly locales in the West, Southwest, and Southeast. The growth in housing units over the last 10 years exploded in states like North Dakota (thanks also to the fracking boom), Utah, Idaho, and Texas—all of which reported a roughly 15% or more increase in residential units, according to Census data. New home construction has also been a hot trend in Washington, the Carolinas, South Dakota, and Nevada.

When it comes to population growth, though, the Southwest is the clearest beneficiary of America’s changing demographics. While West Virginia, Illinois, New York, and a few New England states actually shrunk over the last decade, nearly all states between Washington and Texas expanded significantly. Utah led the way at 17.1% population growth between 2010 and 2020, followed by Texas (16.3%), Idaho (16.3%), Nevada (16.1%), Arizona (15.8%), Florida (15.3%), and Colorado (15.1%). Among the most-cited reasons for migration to these states are a lower cost of living and more favorable business conditions. The interior western states have also gained from residents moving out of California.

To find the states that grew the most over the past decade, researchers at Porch calculated the difference between their 2010 and 2020 populations as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The analysis found that in 2010, Tennessee was home to 6,355,518 residents. By 2020, that number swelled to 6,886,834 residents, representing a 8.36% growth in its total population. Out of all U.S. states, Tennessee grew 17th most since 2010. 

Here is a summary of the data for Tennessee:

• 10-year percentage change in population: 8.36%
• 10-year total population change: 531,316
• Population 2020: 6,886,834
• Population 2010: 6,355,518

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

• 10-year percentage change in population: 6.52%
• 10-year total population change: 20,156,980
• Population 2020: 329,484,123
• Population 2010: 309,327,143

Thunder Radio, Fast Pace Urgent Care teaming up for Bonnaroo ticket giveaway Friday

Thunder Radio will be broadcasting live and on location from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, July 23 at Fast Pace Urgent Care in Manchester: 1415 Hillsboro Blvd.

Stop by during that time and register for a chance to win big prizes: tickets to Lake Winnie, Beech Bend Park, Thunder Radio Swag and TWO BONNAROO TICKETS!

Tune into Thunder Radio at 107.9 FM, 106.7 FM, 1320 AM, thunder1320.com and the Manchester Go smartphone app.

The Coach Doug Greene Show returns to Thunder Radio this fall

If you can’t get enough high school football coverage, Thunder Radio is the place to be.

The Coach Doug Greene Show – Built by Gilley Crane – will return to Thunder Radio airwaves this fall for the second consecutive year.

Hosted by Thunder Radio football color commentator Dustin Murray, the show will broadcast live from 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday night (beginning Aug. 18) from Prater’s BBQ on Woodbury Highway (exclusively on Thunder Radio). Everyone is welcome to attend and talk football with coach Greene and the Thunder Radio broadcast team.

Thunder Radio has been your home for Red Raider football for over 60 years and will continue that tradition this fall. Catch the Red Raiders every Friday night beginning at 6 p.m. with The Friday Night Thunder Pregame Show (delivered by Riddle Trucking). The Al White Ford Lincoln game broadcast begins at 7 p.m. every Friday and the Friday Night Thunder Postgame show will have you covered until approximately 10:30 p.m. Broadcasts can be heard at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, Manchester Go smartphone app and thunder1320.com.

“We are excited for another year of highlighting our student athletes and our football program,” said Josh Peterson, co-owner of Thunder Radio. “These guys have worked hard in the offseason, the quarterback club and program leadership have worked hard to get their new jumbotron installed to make for a great experience and now we get to enjoy a fun fall of high school football. I couldn’t be more excited for these guys.”

High School football on Thunder Radio is presented by:

Al White Ford Lincoln

Gilley Crane

Attorney Shawn Trail

Sherrill Pest Control

Hulletts Service Center

Bush Insurance

A Winning Attitude

Lovelady Auto Parts

Realtor Brian BB Brown, Weichert Realtors Joe Orr & Associates

Unity Medical Center

Dr. Jay Trussler

Elk River Public Utility District

Dr. James VanWinkle

Common John Brewing Company

Garretson Stone

Owens Provisions & Apparel

Norman Homebuilders

Coffee County Bank

Tri Green Equipment

First Vision Bank

Realtor Steve Jernigan, Coffee County Realty

Peoples Bank & Trust

Nature’s Elite

Mid Ten Turf

Mercantile Cafe Bakery & Gift Shop

Rod’s Body Shop

Friday Night Thunder Pregame Show brought to you by:

Riddle Trucking

Elk River Public Utility District

Gilley Crane

Sherrill Pest Control

Common John Brewing Company

Mid Tenn Turf

Stone Fort Mortgage

Imhoff Landscape Supply

Chris Elam with Russell Barnett Chevy-GMC

The full Red Raider football schedule is below. Air time on 107.9 Thunder Radio each night is 6 p.m. (5:30 for Rhea County game).

Aug. 20 AT Franklin County – 7 p.m.

Aug.. 27 vs. Tullahoma – 7 p.m.

Sept. 3 AT Shelbyville * 7 p.m.

Sept. 10 vs. Page – 7 p.m.

Sept. 17 AT Lebanon* 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 – AT Spring Hill – 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 – vs. Warren Co.* – 7 p.m.

Oct. 8 – OPEN

Oct. 15 – vs. Cookeville – 7 p.m.

Oct. 22 – vs. Rockvale – 7 p.m.

Oct. 29 AT Rhea County – 6:30 p.m.

An * denotes region game.

Bold games at home.

James “Jimmy” Stiles

Mr. James “Jimmy” Stiles, age 79, of Hillsboro, TN,
passed from this life on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Hillsboro, TN.

Mr. Stiles was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, to his late parents Joseph
and Thelma Stiles. He worked at the Kroger warehouse for 35 plus years
until retirement. Mr. Stiles served his country in the United States Army.
He was a loving husband, son, brother, and father. Mr. Stiles loved
anything to do with the outdoors including hunting, fishing and tending to
his many gardens. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was a member of New
Life Church of Manchester. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in
death by daughter, Hannah Irene Stiles Haley; brothers, Jackie Stiles and
Bobby Stiles.

Mr. Stiles is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nadine Agee Stiles;
daughter, Sharon Lynch; sons, George Joseph (Grace) Stiles and James
(Kelly) Stiles; brother, Billy Stiles; sisters, Joann Willis, Patsy (Ed)
Lock, Linda (Charlie) Carter, Brenda Ward, and Cinda Stiles; ten
grandchildren. He also leaves behind his beloved church family at New Life
Church of Manchester.

Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, from 4:00pm
until 8:00pm at Central Funeral Home in Manchester, TN. Funeral services
will be conducted on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, from the chapel of Central
Funeral Home with Bro. David Siler officiating. Burial will follow in
Asbury Methodist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the New Life Church
of Manchester.

Central Funeral Home is serving the family, 931-723-7774,
centralfuneralhome.com

Thunder Radio teams up with Capstar Bank, Ben Lomand Connect for 8th year of Fall Hometown Sports Series broadcasts

Fall sports are around the corner and Thunder Radio is excited to announce that not only with the Fall Hometown Sports Series return this year, but it will be bigger and better than ever.

This will be the 8th year of Hometown Sports Series broadcasts on Thunder Radio – presented by Capstar Bank. New this year will be audio streams on thunder1320.com – presented by Ben Lomand Connect and Capstar Bank.

Hometown Sports Series on Thunder Radio was launched 8 years ago by late sports director Dennis Weaver with the idea of bringing high school volleyball and soccer, as well as middle school sports to the radio with the same enthusiasm of high school football.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of Dennis Weaver’s passing (July 24), it is only appropriate that we announce that his vision all of those years ago remains alive and well and continues to grow,” said Josh Peterson, co-owner of Thunder Radio. “With this expansion it will allow Thunder Radio to highlight more athletes and more games for our local sports teams and that is what it is all about.”

Previous years have featured approximately 20 Fall Hometown Sports Series games (presented by Capstar Bank) broadcast on the radio. For 2021, that number will remain close to the same, but an additional 36 games are scheduled to be broadcast through the Thunder Radio internet streams presented by Ben Lomand Connect and Capstar Bank.

Currently, Thunder Radio is scheduled to broadcast approximately 25 Hometown Sports Series games on the radio, 24 games on the Ben Lomand Connect Stream and 12 games on the Capstar Bank Stream (this does not include high school football broadcasts or the Coach Doug Greene Show, which adds 22 more fall sports broadcasts this fall).

“We take the role as a true community radio station seriously,” added Peterson. “Not only will you hear these games on the radio and on the internet this fall, but you’ll see out photographer (Holly Peterson) at most games and those photos can be found on the Thunder Radio Facebook page, thunder1320.com and in this fall’s edition of Thunder The Magazine.”

Fall Hometown Sports Series broadcast will feature Peterson and Courtney Steere behind the microphone, as well as broadcasters in training Jaxon Vaughn, Luke Beachboard and Elizabeth Brown.

See tentative Fall Hometown Sports Broadcast Schedule below (High School football has been included). Schedule subject to change based on game schedule changes, weather and personnel availability. Air time is generally 10 minutes prior to game start time, with the exception of High School football, which begins at 6 p.m. with the Friday Night Thunder pregame show.

DayDateTimeSchoolSportOpponentLocationRadio or stream
Thursday8/5/215:30 PMWMSVolleyballCommunity MiddleHomeThunder Radio
Monday8/9/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballHarrisHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Monday8/9/216:30 PMWMSFootballGrundy CountyHomeThunder Radio
Monday8/9/215:30 PMWMSVolleyballCommunity MiddleAwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Tuesday8/10/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballSouth FranklinAwayThunder Radio
Thursday8/12/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballTullahomaHomeThunder Radio
Thursday8/12/216:30 PMWMSFootballFayetteville CityAwayCapstar Bank Stream
Thursday8/12/215:30 PMWMSVolleyballEaglevilleHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Monday8/16/216:30 PMCHSVolleyballCookevileHomeThunder Radio
Tuesday8/17/216:30 PMCMSFootballTullahomaAwayThunder Radio
Tuesday8/17/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballWarren CountyAwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Tuesday8/17/215:00 PMWMSSoccerLibertyHomeCapstar Bank Stream
Wednesday8/187:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Thursday8/19/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballNorth FranklinHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Thursday8/19/216:30 PMWMSFootballCommunity MiddleAwayCapstar Bank Stream
Thursday8/19/215:00 PMWMSSoccerSt. AndrewsHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Thursday8/19/216:30 PMCHSVolleyballRockvaleHomeThunder Radio
Friday8/20/217 p.m.CHSFootballFranklin CountyAwayThunder Radio
Monday8/23/216:30 PMCHSSoccerTullahomaAwayThunder Radio
Monday8/23/215:00 PMWMSSoccerFayetteville CityHomeThunder Radio
Tuesday8/24/216:30 PMCMSFootballHarris MiddleHomeThunder Radio
Tuesday8/24/216:30 PMCHSVolleyballShelbyville*AwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Wednesday8/25/215:30 PMWMSVolleyballForrest SchoolHomeThunder Radio
Wednesday8/257:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Thursday8/26/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballTullahomaAwayCapstar Bank Stream
Thursday8/26/216:30 PMWMSFootballForrest SchoolHomeThunder Radio
Thursday8/26/215:00 PMCMSSoccerCascadeHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Thursday8/26/216:30 PMCHSVolleyballLincoln County*HomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Friday8/27/217 p.m.CHSFootballTullahomaHomeThunder Radio
Monday8/30/215:00 PMWMSSoccerFranklin CountyHomeCapstar Bank Stream
Monday8/30/215:30 PMWMSVolleyballColumbia AcademyHomeThunder Radio
Monday8/30/215:30 PMCMSSoccerTullahomaAwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Tuesday8/31/216:30 PMCMSFootballSouth**HomeThunder Radio
Tuesday8/31/216:30 PMCHSVolleyballFranklin County*AwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Wednesday9/17:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersBen Lomand Connect Stream
Wednesday9/1/216:30 PMCHSvolleyballTullahomaHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Thursday9/2/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballWestwoodHomeCapstar Bank Stream
Thursday9/2/216:30 PMWMSFootballEaglevilleAwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Friday9/3/217 p.m.CHSFootballShelbyville*AwayThunder Radio
Tuesday9/7/215:30 PMCHSSoccerCascadeHomeThunder Radio
Tuesday9/7/215:00 PMWMSSoccerCascadeHomeCapstar Bank Stream
Tuesday9/7/216:30 PMCHSvolleyballWarren County*HomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Wednesday9/8/215:00 PMCMSSoccerWestwoodAwayThunder Radio
Wednesday9/87:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Thursday9/9/217:00 PMCHSSoccerWarren County**AwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Thursday9/9/216:30 PMCMSFootballNorth FranklinAwayCapstar Bank Stream
Thursday9/9/216:30 PMWMSFootballCannon CountyAwayThunder Radio
Thursday9/9/216:30 PMCHSvolleyballShelbyville *HomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Friday9/10/217 p.m.CHSFootballPageHomeThunder Radio
Friday9/10/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballWhite CountyHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Monday9/13/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballWarren CountyHomeThunder Radio
Monday9/13/215:30 PMWMSVolleyballCascadeHomeCapstar Bank Stream
Tuesday9/14/217:00 PMCHSSoccerFranklin CountyHomeThunder Radio
Tuesday9/14/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballSouth FranklinHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Tuesday9/14/215:30 PMCMSSoccerHarrisHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Wednesday9/157:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Thursday9/16/217:00 PMCHSSoccerShelbyville**AwayCapstar Bank Stream
Thursday9/16/216:30 PMWMSFootballLibertyHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Thursday9/16/215:30 PMWMSVolleyballFayetteville CityHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Thursday9/16/216:30 PMCHSvolleyballFranklin County*HomeThunder Radio
Friday9/17/217 p.m.CHSFootballLebanonAwayThunder Radio
Monday9/20/216 p.m.CMSVolleyballWestwoodAwayThunder Radio
Monday9/20/215:00 PMCMSSoccerTullahomaHomeCapstar Bank Stream
Tuesday9/21/217:00 PMCHSSoccerWarren County**HomeThunder Radio
Tuesday9/21/216:30 PMCMSFootballWarren CountyHomeBen Lomand Connect Stream
Wednesday9/22/215:00 PMCMSSoccerNorth FranklinHomeThunder Radio
Wednesday9/227:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Wednesday9/22/216:30 PMCHSvolleyballTullahomaAwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Thursday9/23/217:00 PMCHSSoccerFranklin County**AwayCapstar Bank Stream
Thursday9/23/216:30 PMWMSFootballCascadeHomeThunder Radio
Friday9/24/217 p.m.CHSFootballSpring HillAwayThunder Radio
Tuesday9/28/217:00 PMCHSSoccerShelbyvilleHomeThunder Radio
Wednesday9/297:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Thursday9/30/215 p.m.CHSSoccerMcMinn CountyHomeThunder Radio
Thursday9/30/216:30 PMCHSvolleyballOaklandAwayBen Lomand Connect Stream
Friday10/1/217 p.m.CHSFootballWarren CountyHomeThunder Radio
Wednesday10/67:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Wednesday10/137:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Friday10/15/217 p.m.CHSFootballCookevilleHomeThunder Radio
Wednesday10/207:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Friday10/22/217 p.m.CHSFootballRockvaleHomeThunder Radio
Wednesday10/277:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio
Friday10/29/216:30 p.m.CHSFootballRhea CountyAwayThunder Radio
Wednesday11/37:00 PMThe Doug Greene Coaches ShowPratersThunder Radio

FOOTBALL: Raiders to compete in final 7-on-7 Thursday

Kickoff for the 2021 high school football season is around the corner and preparation is in full swing for the Coffee County Central Red Raiders.

The Raiders will compete in their final 7-on-7 passing scrimmages at Red Bank on Thursday, July 22. Next week the Raiders will put on full pads and officially open fall practice on Monday.

Coffee County opens the 2021 season at Franklin County on Friday, Aug. 20.

Thunder Radio has been your home for Red Raider football for over 60 years and continues to be this fall. Listen to Red Raider football (presented by Al White Ford Lincoln) every Friday night at 107.9 FM, 1320 AM, 106.7 FM, on the Manchester Go smartphone app and at thunder1320.com. Pregame every week begins with the Friday Night Thunder pregame show (delivered by Riddle Trucking) at 6 p.m. with host Courtney Steere.

CHS volleyball to host playday Thursday

Coffee County Central High School’s volleyball team will be hosting a playday on Thursday, July 22 at Joe Frank Patch Memorial Gymnasium with 12 teams scheduled to participate.

For anyone wanting to catch a glimpse of the Lady Raider volleyball team, Coffee County is scheduled to play at 9 a.m. 10:30 a.m., noon and 4:30 p.m.

The CHS volleyball team is coming off a historic run in 2020, when the Lady Raiders finished one win shy of the state tournament.

Tennessee reports 20th highest wages for new hires

As the U.S. economy enters a new phase in its recovery from COVID-19, businesses are adding new positions faster than they can fill them. A combination of rapidly expanding job openings, a smaller labor force, and more generous unemployment benefits is pushing wages higher, especially in fields like leisure and hospitality that historically have some of the lowest wages for new workers. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau on new hires, average monthly earnings was $3,266 in 2020—a figure that varies widely by industry, job, and location.

New hires in the information sector—which includes many of the country’s computer programming and technology jobs—were paid the most, at $7,060 per month or nearly $85,000 annually. In comparison, all information workers (including new hires and existing employees) were paid an average monthly wage of $8,825. New employees in the mining, oil and gas, and utilities sectors also commanded strong wages when compared to new hires in other fields.

Despite experiencing strong wage growth at the start of 2021, new hires in accommodation and food services have historically earned the lowest average wages, at just $1,458 per month or about $17,500 annually. Unsurprisingly, industries with low wages overall also pay new hires less, but the gap between new hire pay and all worker pay ranges from a low of approximately 11% in the agricultural sector to over 50% in fields like management, education, and the arts.

In addition to occupation and industry, location has significant direct and indirect effects on real wages. New employees in certain areas might command different wages for a variety of reasons, but differences in cost of living affect how comfortable it is to live on a given wage. When taking cost of living into account, new hires in Washington and Massachusetts earned the most in 2020, at $4,045 and $3,793 per month respectively. Other states with high adjusted wages for new hires included New York and Connecticut. Conversely, workers in Montana, Hawaii, and Idaho earned the least after adjusting for living costs.

To find the states with the highest wages for new hires, researchers at Self analyzed the latest data on new hires from the U.S. Census Bureau, cost-of-living data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, and home price data from Zillow. The researchers ranked states according to the cost-of-living adjusted monthly earnings for new hires in 2020. Researchers also calculated the unadjusted monthly earnings for new hires, the unadjusted monthly earnings across all workers, median home price, and cost of living.

The analysis found that new hires in Tennessee are averaging a cost-of-living adjusted $3,149 per month, compared to the $3,266 monthly national average for new hires. 

Out of all U.S. states with complete data, Tennessee reports the 20th highest wages for new hires. Here is a summary of the data for Tennessee:

– Average monthly earnings for new hires (adjusted): $3,149
– Average monthly earnings for new hires (actual): $2,825
– Average monthly earnings across all workers (actual): $4,104
– Median home price: $218,121
– Cost of living (compared to national average): -10.3%

For reference, here are the statistics for the entire United States:

– Average monthly earnings for new hires (adjusted): N/A
– Average monthly earnings for new hires (actual): $3,266
– Average monthly earnings across all workers (actual): $4,783
– Median home price: $281,370
– Cost of living (compared to national average): N/A