Atlanta area private sector jobs, January 2019 - March 2022
Private sector employers in the Atlanta metro area posted
more than 2.6 million jobs in March, according to newly released information
from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Over the past 12 months, private sector employment grew by
173,000 jobs, and the area posted nearly 75,000 more jobs than it had shown in
February 2020, before the beginning of Covid-related cutbacks and shutdowns.
For the month, the Atlanta area added 14,500 jobs, combined
private and public sectors before seasonal adjustment, while the unemployment
rate remained at 3.2%, the same as in February.
Professional and business services added 3,000 jobs over the
month and rose by 46,900 over the year.
The leisure and hospitality sector grew by 2,100 jobs in
March, while job growth over the 12-month period totaled 28,800, an increase of
more than 11.5%. Within the sector, jobs in food services and drinking places
added 1,500 jobs over the month and 19,000 jobs over the past year.
Sectors of continued concern
Two sectors that remain worrisome is construction and other
services. Construction added 800 jobs in March. For past 12 months, the sector added
1,900 jobs.
Atlanta area construction jobs, January 2019 - March 2022
Other services saw jobs grow by 1,200 over the month. Despite adding 6,000 jobs over the previous 12 months, the sector remains 4,400 jobs short of where it stood prior to the Covid period.
Atlanta area other services jobs, January 2019 - March 2022
These two sectors’ slow growth with construction jobs just now reaching their pre-Covid levels and other services remaining below may indicate concern on the part of employers as to whether the overall economy will continue its long-term upward trend. Other services includes repair and maintenance jobs, as well as membership association jobs. Employment in these categories can be a good indicator of employers’ intentions and willingness to commit funds to longer-term projects.
(Charts from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
