Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced that Georgia's August unemployment rate was 3.3 percent, up one-tenth from a revised 3.2 percent in July. The unemployment rate was five-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate of 3.8 percent.

“Georgia's labor market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and strength,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “While we saw a slight increase in the unemployment rate for August, our state remains well-positioned for growth and economic opportunity with an unemployment rate below the national average and plentiful jobs for Georgians."

Jobs were up by 12,000 (0.2%) over the month and up by 95,700 (2.0%) over the year to 4,925,700, an all-time high.

Job numbers were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 664,900; Leisure and Hospitality, 528,300; and Financial Activities, 283,800.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Accommodation and Food Services, 2,400; Administrative and Support Services, 2,100; Durable Goods Manufacturing, 1,500; Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, 1,200; and Local Government, 1,100. 

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 28,400; Accommodation and Food Services, 28,300; Local Government, 11,200; Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 9,200; and Specialty Trade Contractors, 8,000.

The labor force was up by 12,439 to 5,322,059, an all-time high, and was up by 88,343 since the beginning of the year. The labor force participation rate held at 61.4 percent.

For the tenth consecutive month, the number of employed was up by 8,112 to 5,147,925, an all-time high, and was up by 75,670 since the beginning of the year. The employment-to-population ratio held at 59.4 percent. 

In July, over 112,000 job listings were online for Georgians to access. The top five employers included Piedmont Healthcare, 1,650; Virtual Vocations, 1,475; Emory Health Care, 1,075; Wellstar Health System, 1,000; and Randstad, 900.

The top five industries included Health Care, 14,450; Administrative and Support Services, 13,550; Retail Trade, 8,950; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 8,675; and Accommodation and Food Services, 6,775. 

The top five occupations included Health Care, 22,075; Sales, 12,975; Business Management and Operations, 10,600; Hospitality, Food, and Tourism, 9,800; and Information Technology, 7,400.

Initial claims were down by 6,138 (-20%) over the month to 25,272 in August.  Initial claims were down by 1,478 (-6%) over the year.