As the geographic center of East Tennessee, Morristown pulls most of its labor force from Hamblen and seven surrounding counties with a combined population of nearly 310,000 people.
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With over 22,000 people living and working here and nearly 11,000 commuting in to the county to work, Hamblen County has long been considered a hub for employment. Residents of the seven closest counties drive into Hamblen County in half an hour or less.
With over 100 manufacturers in the community, we have a strong manufacturing workforce representing nearly 24% of the total workforce in Hamblen County.
Employment By Industry – Hamblen County
| Industry | # Jobs | % of Total |
| Manufacturing | 9,565 | 23.6% |
| Retail Trade | 4,782 | 11.8% |
| Health Care & Social Services | 4,166 | 10.3% |
| Government, State & Local | 3,704 | 9.1% |
| Administrative & Support Services | 2,905 | 7.2% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 2,258 | 5.5% |
| Wholesale Trade | 2,191 | 5.4% |
| Construction | 2,120 | 5.2% |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 2,110 | 5.2% |
| Other Services, except Public Admin. | 2,110 | 5.2% |
| Professional, Scientific & Technical Services | 925 | 2.3% |
| All Other | 1145 | 2.8% |
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis – 2008 Employment by Industry
Having an available workforce with well-trained employees is vital to attracting industry & business to Morristown and Hamblen County. Programs through Tennessee Technology Center and Walters State Community College provide for both current and future needs for skilled and semi-skilled workers.
Other Labor Characteristics include:
· Tennessee is a right-to-work state.
· Hamblen County’s average weekly manufacturing wage is $765.00
· Unemployment Rate was 10.7% in Hamblen County (November 2010)
· Unemployment Rate ranged from 8.9 to 14.1 in the seven surrounding counties (November 2010)
For information regarding occupational wages for the Morristown MSA, please click here