Georgia’s workforce continued setting records in September, with the state’s labor force and number of employed residents reaching all-time highs for the ninth consecutive month, according to new figures released by the Georgia Department of Labor.

The state’s labor force increased by 13,679 people in September, reaching a record 5,504,015 workers. That represents an increase of more than 73,000 people compared with September 2025.

The number of employed Georgians also reached a record high of 5,325,131, an increase of 10,279 over the previous month and more than 80,000 over the past year.

Georgia’s unemployment rate edged up slightly to 3.3% in September. However, the rate remained one-tenth of a percentage point below September 2025 and nine-tenths of a percentage point below the national unemployment rate.

Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said the figures demonstrate the continued strength of the state’s workforce and employment opportunities.

“Georgia’s workforce is making history,” Holmes said, pointing to nine consecutive months of record employment and historically low unemployment claims.

Unemployment Claims Reach Lowest Level In More Than 50 Years

One of the most significant developments in the September report was a sharp decline in initial unemployment claims.

Georgia recorded just 15,874 initial unemployment claims during September, a decrease of 953 from August and 3,140 fewer than a year earlier.

According to the Department of Labor, the state had not recorded a monthly claims total that low since April 1974, more than half a century ago.

Despite the record employment figures, the number of unemployed Georgians increased by 3,400 in September to 178,884. That figure was still down by 7,643 compared with the previous year.

Some Industries Add Jobs While Others See Declines

While the number of employed residents increased, Georgia’s total number of payroll jobs declined slightly in September, falling by 500 to 4,983,000.

The largest monthly job gains occurred in local government, which added 3,300 positions, followed by professional and technical services with 1,600 additional jobs.

State government, manufacturing and wholesale trade also reported employment gains.

However, several industries experienced declines. Private educational services lost 1,600 jobs, while health care and social assistance declined by 1,400. Accommodation and food services lost 1,100 positions.

Over the past year, health care and social assistance recorded the largest employment gains, adding 18,900 jobs statewide.

Other industries showing annual growth included local government, manufacturing and administrative support services.

Meanwhile, federal government employment declined by 8,800 jobs over the year, while professional and technical services lost 8,600 positions. Construction employment was down by 4,900 jobs.

Employment Assistance Available To Northwest Georgia Residents

The Georgia Department of Labor continues to provide employment assistance and unemployment insurance services to residents throughout the state, including Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.

Residents seeking unemployment benefits can contact the Department of Labor at 877-709-8185 or access the agency’s online MyUI Claimant Portal.

Job seekers and employers can also use the Georgia LaborMarket Explorer to review employment trends, available workforce information and regional labor market statistics.

The September report reflects statewide employment conditions. Separate unemployment figures for Chattooga County were not included in the announcement.