Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Mark Butler announced on Thursday that the unemployment rate for the Peach State in May dipped to an all-time low of 3 percent as the number of jobs peaked at 4,782,400.
“As the state continues to experience a very tight labor market, as evidenced by our low unemployment rate, our focus has been on encouraging more individuals to re-enter the workforce,” Butler said. “Unless those who have chosen not to work decide they want to re-enter the workforce or more people move into the state, additional workers will be scarce.”
Georgia’s record unemployment rate of three percent ties the state with Florida as the lowest unemployment rate in the country out of the top 10 most populated states.
Georgia’s May unemployment is lower than the national average of 3.6 percent.
“Unemployment is at historic lows and job growth is on the rise thanks to conservative leadership in GA! Despite criticism from Abrams and the left, we led the nation as the FIRST state to reopen, and we continue to create record opportunity as a result,” Governor Brian Kemp said on Thursday.
The number of unemployed Georgians has not been this low since April 2001, when the number of unemployed stood at 155,311. Currently, that figure now stands at 157,542.
“We have seen wages increase at an accelerated rate as employers compete for talent in the workplace,” Butler said. “As summer vacations ramp up, and with it more temporary jobs, we will continue to see ‘Please be patient’ signs as employers struggle to fill vacancies.”
The number of total jobs in Georgia increased by 18,100 from April to May.
“Georgia‘s unemployment rate reached 3% in May – a record low according to the Department of Labor. The number of employed Georgians also hit an all-time high last month. Republican leadership is working for all Georgians!” the Georgia Republican Party said in a Monday tweet.
Georgia's unemployment rate reached 3% in May – a record low according to the Department of Labor.
The number of employed Georgians also hit an all-time high last month.
Republican leadership is working for all Georgians! #LeadRight #gapolhttps://t.co/8bODK9uGAD
— GAGOP (@GaRepublicans) June 21, 2022
The “Accommodation and Food Services” sector saw the greatest increase in jobs over the past month; however, the “Durable Goods Manufacturing” sector added 1,500 jobs from April to May.
“Georgia’s recovery continues to push our economy to new heights. All across our state, hardworking Georgians are finding exciting new opportunities as our unemployment rate reaches record lows,” Kemp said.
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Addison Basurto is a reporter at The Georgia Star and The Star News Network. Follow Addy on Twitter and GETTR. Email tips to [email protected].
