Metro Atlanta's Unemployment Rate Rises as Seasonal and Student Workers Enter the Summer Job Market
Friday, July 26th, 2024
Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said Thursday that Atlanta recorded an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent in June, up five-tenths from a revised 3.4 percent in May. A year ago, the rate was 3.4 percent.
“Georgia is where opportunities abound, and innovation thrives,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Every summer, our students and seasonal workers inject our workforce with a fresh wave of talent and energy. Although this may lead to a temporary rise in unemployment, their contributions are the driving force behind our businesses’ success and the engine propelling our economy forward. From startups to major corporations, Georgia’s on the right track toward creating more jobs and building a stronger, more prosperous future for all hardworking Georgians.”
The labor force increased in Atlanta by 8,129 and ended the month with 3,300,120, an all-time high. This number increased by 63,115 when compared to June 2023.
The number of employed decreased by 10,067 to 3,171,567 in June. From June 2023 to June 2024, the number of employed was up by 44,836.
The number of unemployed was up by 18,196 to 128,553 in June. From June 2023 to June 2024, the number of unemployed was up by 18,279.
Atlanta ended June with 3,097,500 jobs. Jobs were up 14,200 over-the-month and up 37,000 over the year.
Over-the-month, jobs were up in Accommodation and Food Services, 5,900; Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 3,600; Health Care and Social Assistance, 2,200; Wholesale Trade, 2,000; and Transportation and Warehousing, 2,000. Jobs were down in Local Government, -2,600; State Government, -1,400; and Private Educational Services, -1,200. Jobs were at an all-time high in Leisure and Hospitality, 331,800; Financial Activities, 209,500; and Other Services, 107,100.
The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 17,000; Accommodation and Food Services, 13,700; Local Government, 9,200; Finance and Insurance, 3,700; and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 3,400. Jobs were down in Administrative and Support Services, -9,300; Information, which includes Motion Picture/Sound Recording, -9,000; Transportation and Warehousing, -4,900.
In June, initial claims were up by 1,323 over-the-month to 12,673 and were down by 1,371 over-the-year.
Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
(404) 232-3685
Media Contact: Director of Communications, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].
Phone Number: 678-350-6878
For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at dol.georgia.gov/email-us. For more information on unemployment benefits, claimants should call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal. GDOL's Career Centers also provide in-person unemployment
For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.
