Business

Economic forecast: Georgia to add 71,000 jobs in 2015

Patrick Gilbert who lives close to Piedmont Park brought his dogs, Roman and Remus out for a walk in the park.
Patrick Gilbert who lives close to Piedmont Park brought his dogs, Roman and Remus out for a walk in the park.
By Michael Kanell
Nov 19, 2014

Georgia should add 71,000 jobs next year – most of them in metro Atlanta, according to a forecast released Wednesday by the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University.

That growth represents a slight slowing from this year, which should finish with the economy adding about 81,100 jobs, Rajeev Dhawan, director of the center, said in a report.

Perhaps as crucial to many of the state’s households, income will increase 4.4 percent this year, 4.6 percent next year and a more robust 5.5 percent in 2016, according to Dhawan.

Unfortunately, less than one-quarter of the jobs to be added are considered “premium” positions paying $60,000 or more.

While globally-oriented companies in metro Atlanta – led by the likes of Coca-Cola – may be troubled by economic malaise in Asia and Europe, the locally based economy will get a boost from construction of new homes, apartment buildings and large projects like the two new sports stadiums, Dhawan said.

About the Author

Michael Kanell

More Stories