Atlanta averages 44.6 applicants per job across 26,908 open positions from 4,053 employers.
Data Engineer leads with 94 applicants per job—3.8× higher than the least competitive roles
Atlanta's most competitive positions are concentrated in tech and finance roles. Our analysis of 26,908 LinkedIn job postings shows Data Engineer as the hardest role to land, with 94 applicants competing for each of just 93 openings. That's 3.8× more competitive than Physical Therapist roles and 111% above Atlanta's average of 44.6 applicants per job.
Hardest to land — polish your resume
1,390+ openings across healthcare and skilled trades roles with just 25-26 applicants per job
Better odds — still need a great resume
Healthcare and skilled trades roles dominate Atlanta's least competitive job categories. Physical Therapist positions have just 25 applicants per opening across 103 available jobs—3.8× easier to land than Data Engineer roles and 44% below Atlanta's average competition of 44.6 applicants.
Nurse leads with 958 openings at 26 applicants per job | Data Engineer is hardest to land at 94 applicants | Physical Therapist easiest at 25
Our analysis of 26,908 LinkedIn job postings reveals significant variation in competition across Atlanta's 51 major job categories. Nurse offers the most opportunity with 958 open positions, but faces 26 applicants per role. Meanwhile, Data Engineer is the hardest role to land in Atlanta with 94 applicants competing for just 93 openings.
Of all 51 job titles analyzed, 11 roles are highly competitive (70+ applicants) accounting for 1,311 jobs, while 22 roles have below-average competition (under 40 applicants) with 3,487 combined openings. The competition gap in Atlanta is stark: Data Engineer averages 94 applicants while Physical Therapist sees just 25—a 3.8× difference.
Emory Healthcare leads with 714 jobs (2.7% of market) | ICE hardest at 117 applicants | Accura Engineering and Consulting Services, Inc. easiest at 25
Emory Healthcare dominates Atlanta's job market with 714 open positions—2.7% of all jobs in the metro area—at 40 applicants per role. Deloitte follows with 429 positions at 33 applicants each. The top 10 employers alone account for 3,021 jobs—11% of Atlanta's market.
Competition varies dramatically by employer. ICE is the hardest place to get hired in Atlanta with 117 applicants per job, while Accura Engineering and Consulting Services, Inc. offers better odds at just 25 applicants. Of 50 major employers analyzed, 11 have high competition (70+ applicants) and 22 have below-average competition (under 40 applicants).
Browse 8 industries hiring across the Atlanta metro area
Data compiled by ResumeTarget.com from 26,908 LinkedIn job postings in the Atlanta metro area. Updated Dec 2, 2025.
Salesforce, Google, and 8 other employers with 3,741 open positions
The Technology sector in Atlanta currently has 3,741 open positions across 10 employers in Atlanta. With an average of 61 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Atlanta's overall market average of 44.6.
Emory Healthcare, Piedmont, and 8 other employers with 3,251 open positions
The Healthcare sector in Atlanta currently has 3,251 open positions across 10 employers in Atlanta. With an average of 35 applicants per job, this industry is less competitive compared to Atlanta's overall market average of 44.6.
KPMG US, ICE, and 8 other employers with 1,920 open positions
The Banking & Finance sector in Atlanta currently has 1,920 open positions across 10 employers in Atlanta. With an average of 60 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Atlanta's overall market average of 44.6.
Accura Engineering and Consulting Services, Inc., Burns & McDonnell, and 8 other employers with 1,508 open positions
The Construction sector in Atlanta currently has 1,508 open positions across 10 employers in Atlanta. With an average of 41 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Atlanta's overall market average of 44.6.
EY, WSP in the U.S., and 8 other employers with 1,287 open positions
The Consulting sector in Atlanta currently has 1,287 open positions across 10 employers in Atlanta. With an average of 43 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Atlanta's overall market average of 44.6.
Honeywell, Anduril Industries, and 8 other employers with 1,229 open positions
The Manufacturing sector in Atlanta currently has 1,229 open positions across 10 employers in Atlanta. With an average of 56 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Atlanta's overall market average of 44.6.
Deloitte, PwC, and 8 other employers with 1,149 open positions
The Accounting sector in Atlanta currently has 1,149 open positions across 10 employers in Atlanta. With an average of 35 applicants per job, this industry is less competitive compared to Atlanta's overall market average of 44.6.
Cargill, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and 8 other employers with 1,122 open positions
The Hospitality sector in Atlanta currently has 1,122 open positions across 10 employers in Atlanta. With an average of 48 applicants per job, this industry is moderately competitive compared to Atlanta's overall market average of 44.6.
Management and Manufacturing leads with 3,018 jobs (11% of market) at 38 applicants | Education and Training easiest to break into at 27 applicants
Management and Manufacturing dominates Atlanta's job market with 3,018 open positions—11% of all jobs—at 38 applicants per role. Health Care Provider follows with 2,483 positions at 28 applicants each. The top 3 functions account for 7,967 jobs—30% of Atlanta's entire job market.
Competition varies significantly by function. Human Resources is the most competitive category in Atlanta with 70 applicants per job, while Education and Training offers the best odds at just 27 applicants—a 43-applicant difference. Of 29 functions analyzed, 1 are highly competitive (70+ applicants) and 9 have below-average competition (under 40 applicants).
How does Atlanta's job competition compare to Southeast rivals?
Head-to-head job market comparison
Atlanta has 18% more competition overall than Charlotte. Charlotte has easier competition for key roles.
See full Charlotte job market data →Ranked by competition level (lower = easier)
Atlanta ranks #4 of 4 for easiest job market in Southeast. The most competitive market—a strong resume is essential.
Competition changes from other cities
Competition data based on 26,908 active job postings in Atlanta.
Atlanta averages 44.6 applicants per job across 26,908 open positions. Data Engineer is hardest at 94 applicants; Physical Therapist is easiest at 25.
Data Engineer (94 applicants per job), Data Scientist (94), and Financial Analyst (93). These roles see 3.8× more competition than healthcare positions.
Physical Therapist (25 applicants per job, 103 openings), Licensed Practical Nurse (25), and Mechanic (26).
Emory Healthcare leads with 714 jobs, followed by Deloitte (429) and PwC (327). 4,053 companies are actively hiring.
26,908 open positions across 4,053 employers. Data from LinkedIn, updated Dec 2, 2025.
Technology (3,741 jobs), Healthcare (3,251), and Banking & Finance (1,920).
ResumeTarget.com compiled and analyzed 26,908 full-time job postings from LinkedIn across the Atlanta-metro area to calculate competition levels by job title, industry, employer, and job function.
Competition is measured by the average number of applicants per job posting. Roles with 70+ applicants are classified as highly competitive, 40-69 as moderately competitive, and under 40 as less competitive.
With 44.6 applicants per job, you need a resume that immediately proves you're the top candidate. Our writers conduct 1-on-1 interviews to uncover your unique achievements and create ATS-optimized resumes that get noticed.
