Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced that the state's unemployment rate remained steady at 4.8 percent in April, while nonfarm payrolls saw an increase of 7,300. This data is based on preliminary information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The revised unemployment rate for March was also 4.8 percent, with no change from the preliminary March unemployment rate.

In April, sectors that witnessed the most significant job gains included Professional and Business Services (+4,900), Private Education and Health Services (+3,400), and Leisure and Hospitality (+1,900). Conversely, Financial Activities (-1,300), Government (-1,100), and Manufacturing (-800) saw the largest monthly payroll job declines.

Deputy Governor Andy Manar stated, “Expanded payroll jobs and a stable unemployment rate are both further indications that the Illinois labor market and economy remain strong.” He added that IDES remains committed to providing resources to jobseekers and employers to capitalize on new and expanding workforce opportunities.

DCEO Director Kristin Richards echoed these sentiments saying, “As payroll jobs steadily increase, DCEO continues to provide resources to support Illinois’ job seekers, workers and employers,” She added that Illinois' economy is robust and the state remains committed to investing in its growing world-class workforce.

However, it's worth noting that the state’s unemployment rate was 0.9 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for April. The national unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in April - up by 0.1 percentage point from the previous month.

Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +37,400 jobs. However, most major industries experienced losses. The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-33,100), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-6,900), and Financial Activities (-6,800). The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+29,200), Government (+27,700), and Leisure and Hospitality (+19,600).

The number of unemployed workers was 313,200 - up by 0.3 percent from the prior month and up by 17.1 percent over the same month one year ago. The labor force increased by 0.1 percent over-the-month and by 1.3 percent over-the-year.

IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers in various ways including hosting job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners, maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL) - the state’s largest job search engine. IJL is used by jobseekers to look for work, and by employers who can post open positions for hire and browse resumes.