The Georgia Department of Labor announced Thursday that the two-county Dalton Metropolitan Statistical Area recorded labor force, employment, and job gains in May, with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, up two-tenths of a percentage point over the month. A year ago, the rate was 3.3%.

"Every May, a new wave of talent enters Georgia's workforce as thousands of graduates begin their career search. This is what a growing talent pipeline looks like, and it is why companies keep investing here year after year,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. "With more than 5 million jobs across our state, there is a place for every Georgian, from the graduate landing a first role to the seasoned professional taking the next step. That is the kind of opportunity you can build a life on, and we will keep it within reach in every corner of our state."

The labor force in Dalton was up by 153 over the month and ended May at 65,951. That number increased by 524 compared to the same time last year.

Dalton finished the month with 63,798 employed residents, an increase of 58 over the month and an increase of 514 from the same time a year ago.

Dalton ended May with 66,600 jobs. That number increased by 300 from the previous month and decreased by 900 from the previous year.

In May, initial unemployment claims decreased by 357 over the month and increased by 64 compared to the same month a year ago, totaling 379.