Georgia’s unemployment rate remained steady at 3.4% in September 2025, according to the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). This figure is unchanged from August and is one percentage point lower than the national average.
“Georgia’s economy is changing, but our commitment remains firm: We will support businesses, empower workers, and create mortgage-paying jobs that sustain families and strengthen our state for the future,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “For years we’ve invested in building a modern, adaptable workforce, and that investment is reflected in Georgia’s competitive business climate and consistently low unemployment. Today that work matters more than ever – it’s what transforms skilled workers and thriving businesses into lasting opportunity for every Georgian.”
The number of jobs in Georgia decreased by 3,200 over the month to a total of 4,991,400. However, compared to last year, jobs increased by 24,300.
Some sectors reached record highs in September. Financial activities had 285,600 jobs; health care and social assistance reached 627,200; and leisure and hospitality totaled 520,900.
Professional and technical services saw an increase of 1,400 jobs during the month. Finance and insurance added 1,300 positions; local government gained 1,000; arts, entertainment, and recreation increased by 700; as did accommodation and food services.
On the other hand, administrative and support services lost 4,200 jobs over the month. Retail trade declined by 1,800 positions; information was down by 1,600; state government dropped by 1,400; while federal government employment fell by 900.
Looking at annual changes across sectors: health care and social assistance led with an increase of 25,300 jobs over the past year. Arts, entertainment, and recreation added 5,300 positions; finance and insurance grew by 4,600; local government rose by 3,400; private educational services expanded by 2,700.
Sectors with job declines over the year included transportation, warehousing and utilities (down by 10,700), information (down by 6,400), federal government (down by 4,000), construction (down by 3,400), and wholesale trade (down by 1,200).
Georgia’s labor force grew slightly in September—up by nearly six thousand to reach just over five million three hundred eighty-seven thousand—but it has shrunk compared to last year. Employment increased this month but remains below levels seen twelve months ago.
Unemployment rose slightly in September to more than one hundred eighty-one thousand people but was still lower than a year ago. Initial claims for unemployment benefits also ticked up slightly for the month but are down from last year’s numbers.
Employers seeking assistance can contact GDOL staff online at https://dol.georgia.gov/email-us. Individuals needing information about unemployment benefits may call or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal or access GDOL Career Centers statewide for support with unemployment insurance benefit services.
For additional details on current labor market data or job opportunities in Georgia visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer for comprehensive reports.
