Georgia’s unemployment rate for November 2025 stood at 3.5%, according to the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). This figure is a slight increase from September’s revised rate of 3.4%. The state’s unemployment rate remains 1.1 percentage points lower than the national average, and is also below last year’s November figure of 3.6%. October data was not available due to a lapse in federal appropriations caused by the federal government shutdown.
“In November, Georgia’s unemployment rate remains more than a full point below the national average, and we’re seeing job growth in sectors that matter most to hardworking Georgians,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “As we head into 2026, we’re staying focused on what keeps Georgia competitive: Preparing workers, supporting businesses, and delivering opportunity across our state.”
The total number of jobs increased by 1,000 in November to reach 4,987,500 after three consecutive months of job losses. Over the past year, jobs have grown by 16,300.
Private education and health services reached an all-time high with 735,600 jobs in November. Leisure and hospitality also set a record at 524,900 jobs.
In terms of monthly gains by sector, accommodation and food services added 1,500 jobs; health care and social assistance gained 900; arts, entertainment, and recreation rose by 800; state government grew by 600; and management of companies increased by 400.
Job declines were noted over the month in federal government (down by 1,500), administrative and support services (down by 1,400), construction (down by 1,000), retail trade (down by 800), and finance and insurance (down by 600).
Looking at annual changes: health care and social assistance saw the largest increase with an additional 23,800 jobs over twelve months. Administrative and support services added 6,100 positions; accommodation and food services grew by 5,600; arts, entertainment & recreation increased by 3,700; durable goods manufacturing was up by 3,200.
Conversely over the year: transportation/warehousing/utilities lost the most jobs at -17,000; federal government employment dropped -11,100; information declined -4,200; professional/scientific/technical services fell -2,500; wholesale trade decreased -2,000.
Georgia’s labor force expanded in November with an increase of nearly fourteen thousand people to reach just over five-point-four million but has declined slightly compared to last year. Employment numbers rose for the month but are down compared to one year ago.
Unemployment figures went up for November but remain lower than last year’s numbers. Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell both from October levels as well as compared to last year.
Employers seeking personalized assistance can contact GDOL staff through https://dol.georgia.gov/email-us or call for more information on unemployment benefits via their MyUI Claimant Portal or at Career Centers statewide. Comprehensive labor market data is available on Georgia LaborMarket Explorer.
