Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Atlanta recorded an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent in November, down three-tenths from a revised 3.4 percent in October.  A year ago, the rate was 2.7 percent.

 “As we prepare to ring in a new year, Georgia’s future is bright, said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “With holiday shopping and retail kicking back up, Georgia’s unemployment rates are dropping faster than holiday deals. Coupled with a soaring job market and a workforce ready to take on limitless opportunities, Georgia is well on the road to success.” 

The labor force increased in Atlanta by 3,359 and ended the month with 3,272,188. This number increased by 86,035 when compared to November 2022.

The number of employed increased by 15,769 to 3,171,948 in November, an all-time high. From November 2022 to November 2023, the number of employed was up by 71,049.

The number of unemployed was down by 12,410 to 110,240 in November. From November 2022 to November 2023, the number of unemployed was up by 14,986.

Atlanta ended November with 3,123,200 jobs, an all-time high. Jobs were up 26,000 (0.8%) over the month and up 76,500 (2.5%) over the year.  

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 24,100; Accommodation and Food Services, 20,200; Real Estate, Rental, and Leasing, 7,500; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 7,100; and Local Government, 7,000.

Over the year, jobs were down in Administrative and Support Services, -7,000, Transportation and Warehousing, -5,100, and Telecommunications, -2,400.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Retail Trade, 7,000; Accommodation and Food Services, 5,300; Administrative and Support Services, 2,400; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 2,000; and Local Government, 1,700.

Over the month, jobs were down in Wholesale Trade, -1,900 and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, -600.

Job numbers were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 426,600; Government, 354,600; and Financial Activities, 212,000.

The number of initial unemployment claims went down by 1,826 (-15%) over-the-month to 10,763 in November. Initial claims were down by 1,162 (-10%) over-the-year.