Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that Georgia's August unemployment rate was 3.6 percent, up two-tenths from a revised 3.4 percent in July. The unemployment rate was six-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.

“Georgia’s growing labor force and business-friendly economy have kept us at the top as the best state to do business for 11 straight years, but our work is far from over,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “Unemployment has risen for the fourth month in a row, with more Georgians entering the workforce than ever before. Bold action is needed to ensure every Georgian can benefit from the opportunities created by our job creators. By working together with our business community, we can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s successes.”

Jobs were up by 3,000 over the month and up by 72,200 over the year to 4,982,700, an all-time high. Job growth has slowed over the past four months, up 18,200 since April, compared to February and March, when job growth totaled 31,200.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 2,900; Private Educational Services,1,700; Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, 1,500; Management of Companies and Enterprises, 900; and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 600.

Jobs were down over-the-month in Durable Goods Manufacturing, -2,500, Other Services, which includes Repair and Maintenance, -2,000; Administrative and Support Services, -1,200; Accommodation and Food Services, -800; and Wholesale Trade, -500. Jobs were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 689,500.

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 23,200; Accommodation and Food Services, 11,500; Local Government, 10,900; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 8,400; and Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 6,600.

Jobs were down over-the-year in Administrative and Support Services, -13,600; Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -5,400; and Wholesale Trade, -400.

The labor force was up by 5,332 to 5,410,717, an all-time high. The labor force was up by 86,355 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate held at 61.8 percent

The number of employed was down by 1,631 to 5,218,105, the first decrease since November 2023, but was up by 65,901 over the past 12 months. The employment-to-population ratio was down from 59.7 to 59.6 percent.

The number of unemployed was up by 6,963 to 192,612, the highest level since July 2021, and was up by 20,454 over the past 12 months.

Initial claims were down by 4,067 over the month to 23,198 in August.  Initial claims were down by 2,074 over the year.