Detroit Unemployment Rate Drops Below Seven Percent, First Time Since 2000

The National Bureau of Labor Statistics' November 2022 unemployment figures show that Detroit's unemployment rate had fallen to 6.4 percent that month. That marks the first time since December 2000 that Detroit's unemployment rate fell below 7 percent.

The numbers show sustained progress on Detroit's unemployment front from the height of the COVID pandemic in May of 2020, when the City's unemployment rate spiked to more than 38 percent.

Despite the progress, Mayor Duggan said he believes even more progress is possible. “Detroit at Work currently has more than 8,400 jobs available today. For the first time in my lifetime, we have a job available for every Detroiter who wants one."

Detroit's trend of a continued strengthening economy is based largely on its ongoing success attracting good paying jobs to Detroit. In 2023, the city is expected to add another 1,200 jobs at the Amazon distribution center at the state fairgrounds and break ground on a new employment center at the site of the former AMC headquarters, expected to provide up to 400 new jobs. Lear's new seating facility on the site of the former Cadillac Stamping Plant also is expected to reach full employment of at least 400 in 2023.

City's Workforce Programs Provide Spectrum of Training

Nicole Sherard-Freeman, the Mayor's Group Executive for Jobs, the Economy and Detroit at Work, said the city's unemployment numbers continue to improve in large part because of broad spectrum of training and other supportive services that are helping Detroiters prepare for the 8,400 opportunities currently available. The city's workforce development program, Detroit at Work, helps create career opportunities for Detroiters at all levels of education, experience, and skills, and gives employers access to a highly qualified talent pipeline.

Today, dozens of free training programs are available at Detroit at Work's website in construction/skilled trades, health care, information technology, manufacturing, transportation, and hospitality. Detroiters also can call 313-962-WORK or visit any of the nine Detroit At Work career centers across the city to learn more or to get enrolled.

Karen Banks was unemployed when she turned to Detroit at Work, and was hired soon after by Majorel, a Fortune 500 Company that recently announced the opening of a Detroit office and a commitment to prioritize hiring Detroiters. Banks said, “Working for Majorel is a unique experience. They are very welcoming. I am excited and looking forward to growing within the company."

“Ultimately, the talent is what brought us to Detroit," Gus Gikas, Majorel's Vice President of Operations for North America, said. “You can train employees on the technical side of customer service, but success in this role takes compassion, a collaborative attitude, and positive thinking. Detroit at Work has outperformed our expectations and helped us get up and running with a pool of Detroiters who possess these qualities. We currently have over 575 team members and this would not have been possible without the strength of our partnership with Detroit at Work!"

Hundreds of local companies are hiring today, right here in the City of Detroit. These companies say the Detroiters they are bringing in through the Detroit at Work talent pipeline are exceeding expectations.

Featured Programs

Learn to Earn

Detroiters can earn their diploma or GED while receiving a stipend and explore their options for training or new job opportunities immediately after graduating.

With 20 hours per week, participants can earn a GED/diploma in as little as 4-6 months.

Participants can also build skills that help find a new or better job after earning a GED/diploma. A career coach helps participants explore training and career options.

The program includes a weekly stipend for up to six months.

Other support available includes a laptop, internet access and help with transportation, and referrals to childcare.

Skills for Life

Skills for Life is a program launched by the Mayor at the end of 2021.

Skills for Life has two ways to help job seekers on their career path:

• Participants will have the option, two days a week, to attend GED prep or Skills Refresh to complete their education or pursue a training certification.
• Participants will also work with the City of Detroit's General Services Department the other three days a week, learning valuable skills to add to their resume.

These positions start at $15 per hour and after graduation, participants will be able to earn up to $20-25 per hour.

JPMorgan Chase

• JPMorgan Chase launched its new virtual call center in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood–the very first in the U.S.–expanding its already proven commitment to Detroit and Detroiters.
• Using Detroit at Work as its sole talent sourcing provider, the bank has hired 50 new employees to work as full-time, work-from-home account specialists and account supervisors, with starting wages of $22.50 per hour and an annual benefits package worth about $16,000.
• More hires are expected as operations grow.
• The new call center also provides an opportunity for Detroiters with a criminal background. Recently, JPMorgan Chase has removed all questions about criminal backgrounds from job applications. Second Chance hires represent approximately 10 percent of Chase's new hires in the U.S. over the last three years.