Metro-Atlanta hits record job growth in November, led by private education and health services

ATLANTA— Metro Atlanta achieved a historic milestone in November, with total jobs reaching an all-time high of 3,112,100, the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) announced on Thursday, Dec. 26. The region added 9,600 jobs over the month and 12,900 jobs compared to November 2023.

Jobs were at an all-time high in Private Education and Health Services with employment levels of 435,900, followed by Government at 368,300, the DOL

Top sectors for yearly job gains:

Health Care and Social Assistance, 15,600

 Accommodation and Food Services, 8,600

 Local Government, 7,500

 Finance and Insurance, 2,000

 Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation, 2,000

Monthly job trends:

Key industries also saw  significant gains in November in: 

Retail Trade, 5,300

Transportation and Warehousing, 3,600

Health Care and Social Assistance, 2,100

Local Government, 1,700

Finance and Insurance, 1,100 

However, some sectors experienced declines over the month:

Accommodation and Food Services, -2,700, 

Administrative and Support Services, -1,500

Specialty Trade Contractors, -1,200

“Georgia proves that smart leadership and bold policies drive economic success,” said GDOL Emergency Interim Successor Louis DeBroux. “While other states struggle with overregulation and economic uncertainty, Georgia’s economy is thriving—job numbers are up in 12 regions, unemployment claims are down across the board, and businesses continue to choose our state as the best place to grow and invest. These results don’t happen by accident; they are the product of strong fiscal policies and a commitment to empowering job creators and hardworking Georgians. As we close out the year, Georgia remains a perennial leader in opportunity, innovation, and prosperity.”

The labor force decreased in Atlanta by 9,721 and ended the month with 3,258,351. This number increased by 11,795 when compared to November 2023.

The number of employed decreased by 11,662 to 3,142,894 in November. From November 2023 to November 2024, the number of employed was down by -11,215.

The number of unemployed was up by 1,941 to 115,457 in November. From November 2023 to November 2024, the number of unemployed was up by 23,010.

In November, initial unemployment claims were down by 1,866 over-the-month to 10,318 and were down by 445 over-the-year.