Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that Georgia's January unemployment rate was 3.1, the first drop in over a year after holding at 3.2 percent for each month during 2023. The unemployment rate was six-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate. 

“With low unemployment and a competitive job market, Georgia’s workers and employers are thriving together,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Fostering innovation, investing in skills, diversifying our economy, and supporting businesses, especially sectors experiencing hiring and labor challenges, ensures Georgia will remain a hub of opportunity and prosperity for all."

Jobs were up 1,500 (0.1%) over the month and up by 51,200 (1.0%) over the year to 4,936,000. 

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 2,700; Local Government, 2,300; Accommodation and Food Services, 2,200; Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing, 2,100; and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 1,000.

Jobs were down in Transportation and Warehousing, primarily in General Freight Trucking, -8,500; Health Care and Social Assistance, -1,400; and Durable Goods Manufacturing, -1,100.

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 24,000; Accommodation and Food Services, 12,000; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 11,200; Local Government, 11,000; and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 8,400.

Jobs were down in Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -19,600; Transportation and Warehousing, -17,200; and Administrative and Support Services, -15,600.

The labor force was up by 914 to 5,329,921 and was up by 71,499 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate was 61.4 percent, down from 61.5 percent in December, and down from 61.5 percent over the last 12 months.

The number of employed was up by 4,814 to 5,163,147, an all-time high, and was up by 74,708 over the past 12 months. The employment-to-population ratio held at 59.5 percent and was unchanged from 59.5 percent over the last 12 months.

Initial claims were up by 12,529 (51%) over the month to 37,331 in January.  Initial claims were down by 4,847 (-12%) over the year. The January over-the-month increase is a typical occurrence coming out of the holiday season, primarily due to temporary shutdowns in manufacturing facilities statewide.