Georgia has seen a boom in call centers this recession. The rise in low-paying jobs like these coupled with a decrease in manufacturing worries some.

Call centers have added about 1,700 jobs to Georgia’s economy in the past year. They pay from $8 to $13 an hour without benefits.

A recent job fair in metro-Atlanta drew many job seekers; some who normally might not go for this kind of work.

Some economists worry low-paying jobs like these are replacing middle income jobs in manufacturing says Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond.

"I am concerned we really need to focus more on creating jobs that will pay higher wages with benefits so we can protect our middle class," says Thurmond.

Economists say a shrinking middle class means more income inequality.

Georgia lost 5,000 manufacturing jobs this year, according to state Department of Labor statistics.

Tags: jobs, job growth, middle class, Labor Commissioner Micheal Thurmond, manufacturing jobs, service oriented jobs, service sector, call centers