Summer Job Market Sees Influx of Graduates, Slight Rise in June Unemployment

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that Georgia's June unemployment rate was 3.3, up one-tenth from a revised 3.2 percent in May. The unemployment rate was eight-tenths lower than the national unemployment rate.

"School's out, and Georgia is thriving like never before," said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. "Our students infuse our workforce with new talent and energy each summer. While this may temporarily increase seasonal unemployment, the fresh skills and enthusiasm these young workers bring to the local economy are key to cultivating an economy that’s built to last."

Jobs were up by 8,900 (0.2%) over the month and up by 64,200 (1.3%) over the year to 4,979,800, an all-time high.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 3,200; Transportation and Warehousing, 3,000; State Government, 1,800; Wholesale Trade, 1,400; and Retail Trade, 1,400.

Jobs were down in Administrative and Support Services, -1,700; Local Government, -1,300; and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, -1,000.

Jobs were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 685,200, and Leisure and Hospitality, 528,100.

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Health Care and Social Assistance, 23,400; Accommodation and Food Services, 13,900; Local Government, 13,300; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 9,000; and Durable Goods Manufacturing, 6,000.

Jobs were down in Administrative and Support Services, -14,700; Information, which includes Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries, -9,500; and Transportation and Warehousing, -8,000.

The labor force was up by 15,502 to 5,391,294, an all-time high, and has increased by almost 48,000 over the past three months. The labor force was up by 81,242 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate was up from 61.6 percent to 61.7 percent.

The number of employed was up by 8,493 to 5,214,373, an all-time high, and was up by 74,279 over the past 12 months. The employment-to-population ratio held at 59.7 percent.

The number of unemployed increased by 7,009 to 176,291 and was up by 6,963 over the past 12 months.

Initial claims were up by 1,833 (9%) over the month to 21,867 in June. Initial claims were down by 1,610 (-7%) over the year.

Contact Georgia Department of Labor Communications Office
[email protected]
(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 https://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 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.