Metro Atlanta Reaches All-Time High Employment and Labor Force in September
Friday, October 23rd, 2026
The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the 29-county Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded gains in its labor force and employment in September, reaching all-time highs. The unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 3.5%, up from 3.4% a year ago.
“Momentum is building across Georgia,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “With sustained regional growth, our strong economy and competitive workforce drive continuous opportunity. We are building the Top State for Talent to keep Georgia the clear choice for job creators and families alike.”
The labor force in Atlanta increased by 26,869 to 3,387,001, an all-time high, and was up 69,140 over the past 12 months.
The number of employed increased by 21,277 to 3,268,658, an all-time high, and increased by 62,899 over the past 12 months.
The number of unemployed increased by 5,592 to 118,343 and declined by 6,241 over the past 12 months.
Atlanta MSA’s unemployment rate of 3.5% was tied for the fifth lowest among the state’s 14 metropolitan areas, with the Gainesville MSA at 3.0% as the lowest and the Albany MSA and Columbus MSA tied for the highest at 4.3%.
Atlanta ended September with 3,101,900 jobs, down 5,600 from the previous month and down 2,700 from a year ago.
Over the month, jobs were up in the Atlanta MSA in industries including state government, 4,500; local government, 2,500; transportation, warehousing, and utilities, 2,100; wholesale trade, 1,400; and private educational services, 800.
Jobs were down over the month in accommodation and food services, 5,200; professional and technical services, 2,300; arts, entertainment, and recreation, 1,800; health care and social assistance, 1,600; and retail trade, 1,600.
The industries with the most over the year job gains included health care and social assistance, 15,000; durable goods manufacturing, 3,900; wholesale trade, 2,600; administrative and support services, 2,200; and local government, 1,900.
Jobs were down over the year in professional and technical services, 7,600; federal government, 4,900; accommodation and food services, 4,200; non-durable goods manufacturing, 4,000; and construction, 3,600.
In September, initial claims were down 932 from the previous month to 9,556 and were down 1,257 from the previous year.
Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685
Media Contacts:
Sr. Communications Specialist, Annalise Morning
Email: Annalise.Morning@gdol.ga.gov
Phone Number: 470-733-6638
Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].gov
Phone Number: 678-350-6878
[email protected]
(404) 232-3685
Media Contacts:
Sr. Communications Specialist, Annalise Morning
Email: Annalise.Morning@gdol.
Phone Number: 470-733-6638
Chief Communications Officer, Shawna Mercer
Email: [email protected].
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.
Follow the Georgia Department of Labor on social media for additional news and updates.
