Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson announced today that Georgia's September unemployment rate increased to 3.4 percent, up one-tenth from a revised 3.3 percent in August. The unemployment rate was four-tenths lower than the national average.

“In the face of Georgia’s resilient, opportunity-filled economy, we find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads, navigating the delicate balance between surging industry demands and an available workforce,” said Commissioner Bruce Thompson. “As job numbers continue to outpace available talent, it will require all hands on deck to help maintain Georgia’s decade-long reign as the #1 place to do business.”

Jobs were up by 17,100 (0.3%) over the month and up by 96,100 (2.0%) over the year to 4,942,700, an all-time high.

Job numbers were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services, 670,100; Leisure and Hospitality, 529,600; and Financial Activities, 284,600. The Construction sector achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching 225,000 jobs and surpassing the prior peak set in March 2007. Other Services, including Repair and Maintenance and Personal Services, reached a new high at 175,700, surpassing the previous record set in April 2001.

The sectors with the most over-the-month job gains included Accommodation and Food Services, 4,700; Administrative and Support Services, 4,600; Health Care and Social Assistance, 1,800; Private Educational Services, 1,500; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 1,200; and Local Government, 1,200.

The sectors with the most over-the-year job gains included Accommodation and Food Services, 31,000; Health Care and Social Assistance, 29,000; Local Government, 11,600; Specialty Trade Contractors, 5,500; and Repair and Maintenance, 5,500.

The labor force was up by 17,272 to 5,339,329, an all-time high, and was up by 106,955 over the past 12 months. The labor force participation rate increased to 61.5 percent and is up from 61 percent since the beginning of the year.

The number of employed was up by 12,355 to 5,160,306, an all-time high, and was up by 90,454 over the past 12 months. The employment-to-population ratio increased to 59.5 percent.

In September, 96,000 job listings were online for Georgians to access. The top five employers included Piedmont Healthcare, 1,375; Emory Health Care, 975; Randstad, 900; Wellstar Health System, 850; and Northside Hospital, 525.

The top five industries included Health Care, 13,500; Retail Trade, 10,125; Administrative and Support Services, 9,200; Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, 7,700; and Accommodation and Food Services, 6,275.

The top five occupations included Health Care, 17,375; Sales, 12,375; Hospitality, Food, and Tourism, 8,925; Business Management and Operations, 8,700; and Information Technology, 8,600.

Initial claims were down by 4,307 (-17%) over the month to 20,965 in September. Initial claims were down by 605 (-3%) over the year.