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29 12 Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce 2026 Economic Trends Employment and Wages (Covered Employment) As of the first quarter of 2025, the average weekly wage in the Savannah MSA was $1,211, an increase of 6.2% from Q2 of 2024. Private sector wage growth was particularly strong in Manufacturing (10.2%), Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (8.3%), and Transportation and Warehousing (6.4%). In four sectors of the regional economy (Manufacturing, Accommodations and Food Services, State Government, and Local Government) average weekly wages exceeded the state-wide average. Wages in Savannah are $280 below the state average. However, given the lower cost of living index (88.9) in the region, the purchasing power of earnings is enhanced. This, combined with Savannah's high quality of life, means that workers and employers continue to receive a high return on value for area wages. Total covered employment in the Savannah MSA increased 0.11% to 196,687 in 2025, Q1 from 196,469 in 2024. The sectors that experienced notable employment growth include Education Services (+4.2%), Finance and Insurance (+2.8%), Manufacturing (+2.8%), and Health Care and Social Assistance (+2.7%). Local Government employment increased 3.9% and State Government increased 0.1%. The region added 284 establishments (net) across all industries, a gain of 2.2% raising the total number of establishments to 13,417. Notable increases in the number of establishments occurred in Information (+13, +6.9%), Healthcare and Social Assistance (+56, +4.5%), Retail Trade (+70, +4.2%), Construction (+42, +4.1%), and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (+27, +3.7%). Employment & Wages 2025, Q1 Average Weekly Wages ($) Savannah MSA Industry Savannah MSA Georgia Average Employment Number of Establishments Construction $1,363 1,617 9,867 1,077 Manufacturing 1,999 1,509 24,261 396 Wholesale Trade 1,699 2,087 6,779 488 Retail Trade 800 824 23,432 1,745 Transportation and Warehousing 1,203 1,471 17,289 831 Utilities 2,831 3,417 712 21 Information 1,349 3,187 1,243 201 Finance and Insurance 2,506 3,117 3,114 578 Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 1,119 1,708 3,501 754 Professional, Scientific/Tech Services 1,551 2,341 6,595 1,367 Education Services 1,259 1,309 4,328 123 Health Care and Social Assistance 1,239 1,326 23,637 1,304 Arts, Entertainment and Recreation 650 973 3,003 220 Accommodation and Food Services 547 514 23,931 1,454 Other Services (except Public Admin.) 912 997 6,015 854 Government – Federal 1,803 1,955 2,946 67 Government – State 1,587 1,238 4,568 76 Government – Local 1,118 1,091 17,170 55 ALL INDUSTRIES $1,211 $1,491 196,687 13,417 Source: Georgia Department of Labor, Workforce Statistics & Economic Research, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2025, Q1. Retrieved at www.dol.state.ga.us on 11/19/2025.