Georgia’s unemployment rate remained steady at 3.4% in September 2025, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). This figure is unchanged from August and sits one percentage point below the national average.
Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes commented on the report, stating, “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. 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 total number of jobs in Georgia decreased by 3,200 over the month to 4,991,400. However, compared to September last year, jobs increased by 24,300.
Several sectors reached all-time highs during September. Financial activities recorded 285,600 jobs; health care and social assistance had 627,200; while leisure and hospitality reported 520,900 positions.
Professional and technical services saw an increase of 1,400 jobs over the month. Other sectors with notable gains included finance and insurance (up by 1,300), local government (up by 1,000), arts, entertainment and recreation (up by 700), as well as accommodation and food services (also up by 700).
Conversely, some sectors experienced job losses in September. Administrative and support services declined by 4,200 positions; retail trade lost 1,800; information dropped by 1,600; state government was down by 1,400; and federal government employment fell by 900.
Looking at year-over-year changes across industries: health care and social assistance added the most jobs with an increase of 25,300. Arts, entertainment and recreation grew by 5,300; finance and insurance rose by 4,600; local government gained 3,400; private educational services increased by 2,700.
However, transportation along with warehousing and utilities lost a combined total of about 10,700 jobs over the past year. The information sector declined by approximately 6,400 positions; federal government employment dropped by around 4,000; construction was down roughly 3,400; wholesale trade saw a decrease of about 1,200.
Georgia’s labor force expanded slightly in September—growing by nearly six thousand people to reach just over five million three hundred eighty-seven thousand—but it has shrunk overall since last year.
Employment numbers also rose modestly for the month but have declined when compared to twelve months ago. Unemployment ticked up slightly in September but remains lower than this time last year.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits increased marginally from August but are still lower than they were a year ago.
Employers seeking personalized help can contact GDOL staff online at https://dol.georgia.gov/email-us. Individuals looking for more details on unemployment benefits are encouraged to call or use their MyUI Claimant Portal. In-person services remain available through GDOL Career Centers statewide.
For further labor market data or job listings in Georgia visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer for comprehensive reports.
