Georgia’s unemployment rate in December 2025 was 3.6%, according to the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). This figure represents a slight increase from November’s revised rate of 3.5%. Despite the rise, the state’s unemployment rate remains 0.8 percentage points below the national average and is unchanged from one year ago.
“In December, Georgia continued to add jobs for a second straight month, with the unemployment rate remaining well below the national average,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “That consistency matters as we head into 2026. We’re focused on strengthening the sectors driving job creation, preparing Georgians for in-demand careers, and turning job growth into real opportunity across the state.”
The state added 5,000 jobs in December, bringing total employment to 4,991,700. Over the past twelve months, jobs increased by 7,400. After experiencing three consecutive months of job losses earlier in the year, Georgia has now seen two months of job growth.
Private education and health services reached an all-time high of 737,500 jobs in December. The Other Services sector also hit a record with 176,600 jobs.
Sectors showing notable over-the-month gains included administrative and support services (4,500), health care and social assistance (2,000), non-durable goods manufacturing (1,000), local government (1,000), professional and technical services (800), and real estate and rental and leasing (800).
However, several sectors experienced declines over the month: retail trade lost 2,000 jobs; accommodation and food services dropped by 1,400; construction decreased by 1,000; arts, entertainment and recreation fell by 900; while finance and insurance as well as management of companies each declined by 600.
Looking at annual changes, health care and social assistance led with an increase of 19,300 jobs over twelve months. Administrative and support services gained 13,000 positions; durable goods manufacturing rose by 6,000; private educational services added 3,800; management of companies increased by 2,600.
Conversely over the year: transportation/warehousing/utilities lost 16,900 jobs; federal government employment dropped by 12,100; information sector declined by 5,000; retail trade fell by another 5,000; wholesale trade saw a decrease of about 1,800.
Georgia’s labor force grew by more than eleven thousand during December to reach just over five point four million people. Employment also rose—up more than eight thousand—to an all-time high above five point two million workers.
Unemployment numbers increased slightly for December but are still lower than last year’s figures. Initial claims were up nearly ten thousand for the month but down more than four thousand compared to one year prior.
For further details or personalized assistance regarding labor data or unemployment benefits in Georgia:
– Employers can contact GDOL staff at https://dol.georgia.gov/email-us.
– Claimants seeking information on benefits may call 877.709.8185 or use their MyUI Claimant Portal.
– In-person support is available at GDOL Career Centers statewide.
– A comprehensive report on current labor force data is available via Georgia LaborMarket Explorer.
