Georgia’s Job Market Hits New Highs as Unemployment Holds Steady at 3.6% in September

 

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that Georgia’s September unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, unchanged from a revised 3.6 percent in August. The unemployment rate was five-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.

 

“Every job created represents another paycheck in the pocket of hardworking Georgians,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With record-breaking job growth, an expanding workforce, and rising key industries, we’re continuing to build better lives for families across our state. This is the foundation for lasting economic success that makes a difference in the lives of individuals and families every day.”

 

Jobs were up by 6,800 over the month and up by 66,900 over the year to 4,990,300, an all-time high.

 

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 4,700; Accommodation and Food Services, 3,200; Specialty Trade Contractors, 1,100; Personal Services, 800; and State Government, 700.

 

Jobs were down over-the-month in Private Educational Services, -1,400; Transportation and Warehousing, -1,000; Information which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -900; Wholesale Trade, -900; and Durable Goods Manufacturing, -600. Jobs were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 694,100, and Leisure and Hospitality, 535,700.

 

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 27,100; Accommodation and Food Services, 16,400; Local Government, 8,600; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 7,100; and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 6,600.

 

Jobs were down over-the-year in Administrative and Support Services, -16,200; Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -4,900; Wholesale Trade, -3,200; and Transportation and Warehousing, -1,100.

 

The labor force was up by 4,777 to 5,415,469, an all-time high, and was up by 87,141 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate held at 61.8 percent.

 

The number of employed was up by 1,761 to 5,219,868, an all-time high, and was up by 63,889 over the past 12 months.

 

The number of unemployed was up by 3,016 to 195,601, the highest level since July 2021, and was up by 23,252 over the past 12 months.

 

Initial claims were down by 3,598 over the month to 19,600 in September.  Initial claims were down by 1,365 over the year.