Georgia’s unemployment rate stood at 3.5% in November 2025, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). This figure marks a slight increase from September’s revised rate of 3.4%. Despite the uptick, Georgia’s unemployment rate remains 1.1 percentage points below the national average. Compared to November of last year, when the state’s unemployment rate was 3.6%, there has been a minor improvement.
October 2025 data is not available due to a lapse in federal appropriations related to the federal government shutdown.
“In November, Georgia’s unemployment rate remains more than a full point below the national average, and we’re seeing job growth in sectors that matter most to hardworking Georgians,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “As we head into 2026, we’re staying focused on what keeps Georgia competitive: Preparing workers, supporting businesses, and delivering opportunity across our state.”
The total number of jobs increased by 1,000 over the month to reach 4,987,500. Over the past year, jobs have risen by 16,300. The private education and health services sector reached an all-time high with 735,600 jobs, as did leisure and hospitality with 524,900 jobs.
Accommodation and food services saw the largest monthly job gains at 1,500 positions added. Health care and social assistance gained 900 jobs; arts, entertainment, and recreation grew by 800; state government added 600; and management of companies increased by 400 positions.
Some sectors experienced declines over the month: federal government employment dropped by 1,500; administrative and support services lost 1,400 jobs; construction decreased by 1,000; retail trade was down by 800; and finance and insurance declined by 600.
Looking at annual changes across sectors: health care and social assistance led with an increase of 23,800 jobs over the past year. Administrative and support services added 6,100 positions; accommodation and food services rose by 5,600; arts, entertainment, and recreation grew by 3,700; durable goods manufacturing increased by 3,200.
However, transportation, warehousing and utilities lost a significant number of jobs—17,000—over the year. Federal government employment fell by 11,100; information sector jobs decreased by 4,200; professional scientific and technical services were down by 2,500; wholesale trade declined by about two thousand.
Georgia’s labor force expanded in November with an increase of nearly fourteen thousand people but declined slightly compared to one year ago. Employment numbers also saw a modest monthly rise but were down slightly over twelve months.
Unemployment figures increased for November but are lower than they were one year ago. Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell both over the month (by nearly three thousand) and compared to last year.
Employers seeking personalized assistance can contact GDOL staff through their online portal at https://dol.georgia.gov/email-us. Individuals seeking information about unemployment benefits are encouraged to call or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal or GDOL Career Centers for statewide service options.
Additional details on job statistics can be found through Georgia LaborMarket Explorer for comprehensive reports on current labor force data.
