Georgia’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.4% in July 2025, according to data released by the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). This marks a decrease of one-tenth of a percentage point from June and places the state’s rate eight-tenths below the national average.
“More Georgians are stepping into the workforce and securing jobs — a trend that’s held strong for two consecutive months,” said Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “Meanwhile, the number of unemployed has steadily declined for 11 straight months, resulting in an improved unemployment rate of 3.4% in July 2025, the lowest rate since April 2024. These gains reflect the power of putting workers first and building strong partnerships across Georgia.”
Total nonfarm jobs in Georgia decreased by 500 over the month to reach 4,995,500. Over the past year, however, jobs increased by 26,900 statewide.
The health care and social assistance sector hit a record high with 625,500 jobs in July. Other sectors seeing notable monthly job gains included durable goods manufacturing (2,700), construction (2,100), professional, scientific and technical services (1,500), and state government (700).
Several sectors experienced job losses during July. Accommodation and food services lost 4,500 positions; transportation, warehousing and utilities fell by 1,400; finance and insurance dropped by 900; wholesale trade also declined by 900; federal government shed 700 jobs; information lost 700; and other services saw a decrease of 700.
Over the past year, health care and social assistance led job growth with an increase of 25,700 positions. Local government added 6,700 jobs; private educational services grew by 5,400; arts, entertainment and recreation rose by 5,300; and administrative and support services expanded by 3,800.
Conversely, annual declines were seen in transportation, warehousing and utilities (-10,600); accommodation and food services (-3,900); information (-3,000); wholesale trade (-2,500); and retail trade (-2,500).
Georgia’s labor force increased slightly by 732 people in July to reach a total of 5,377,004 but was down by more than 39 thousand compared to last year. Employment numbers went up by about seventeen hundred during July but have declined over twelve months. Unemployment figures fell both over the month—by nearly one thousand—and over the past year—by more than eleven thousand.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits rose by just over five thousand during July but were lower compared to this time last year.
Employers seeking personalized assistance can contact GDOL staff through https://dol.georgia.gov/email-us. Individuals needing more information on unemployment benefits can call 877.709.8185 or visit their MyUI Claimant Portal online. GDOL Career Centers continue to provide in-person support statewide for those seeking unemployment insurance benefit services.
Comprehensive labor force data is available at Georgia LaborMarket Explorer.