The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the 29-county Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded an all-time high labor force in May, while the unemployment rate was 3.2%, up from a revised 2.8% in April. One year ago, the rate was 3.2%.

"Every May, a new wave of talent enters Georgia's workforce as thousands of graduates begin their career search. This is what a growing talent pipeline looks like, and it is why companies keep investing here year after year,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "With more than 5 million jobs across our state, there is a place for every Georgian, from the graduate landing a first role to the seasoned professional taking the next step. That is the kind of opportunity you can build a life on, and we will keep it within reach in every corner of our state."

The department said that unemployment typically edges up in May as graduates enter the workforce and seek jobs. 

The labor force in Atlanta increased by 10,085 to 3,357,334, an all-time high, and was up 50,996 over the past 12 months.

The number of employed decreased by 1,298 to 3,251,440 and increased by 51,810 over the past 12 months.

The number of unemployed increased by 11,383 to 105,894 and decreased by 814 over the past 12 months.

Atlanta ended May with 3,126,000 jobs, up 2,500 from the previous month and up 1,000 from a year ago.

Over the month, jobs were up in the Atlanta MSA in industries including accommodation and food services, 5,200; local government, 2,300; arts, entertainment, and recreation, 1,900; information services, 1,200; and health care and social assistance, 1,200.

Jobs were down over the month in professional and technical services, 4,800; private educational services, 1,600; administrative and support services, 1,300; other services, 1,100; and non-durable goods manufacturing, 800. 

The industries with the most over-the-year job gains included health care and social assistance, 18,400; administrative and support services, 3,200; local government, 2,600; arts, entertainment, and recreation, 1,500; and finance and insurance, 1,400.

Jobs were down over the year in professional and technical services, 7,800; federal government, 6,500; non-durable goods manufacturing, 4,000; transportation, warehousing, and utilities, 2,800; and retail trade, 2,700.

In May, initial claims were down 511 from the previous month to 10,214 and were down 1,758 from May of the previous year.

Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685

Media Contact: Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].gov
Phone Number: 678-350-6878

For personalized assistance, employers can reach Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/employeremail.

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 insurance benefit services for customers statewide.

For more information on jobs and current labor force data, visit Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to view a comprehensive report.