Jeffrey D. Mays | Director of Employment Security | IDES website
Jeffrey D. Mays | Director of Employment Security | IDES website
Over the past year, total nonfarm jobs have increased in eleven metropolitan areas and decreased in three for the period ending February 2024. This information comes from data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). However, all fourteen metropolitan areas saw an increase in unemployment rates over the same period.
"Today’s data continues to highlight the health and expansion of the Illinois labor market, with increases in jobs throughout a multitude of industries touching every corner of the state," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "As growth continues to supply jobseekers and employers with new opportunities, IDES and its workforce partners are positioned to assist both groups to thrive in the state’s economy."
The Champaign-Urbana MSA experienced a 3.2% increase in total nonfarm jobs, adding 3,900 positions. The Elgin Metro saw a 2.1% rise with 5,300 new jobs, while Bloomington MSA reported a 1.4% increase, adding 1,400 jobs. Conversely, Decatur MSA experienced a decline of 3.3%, losing 1,600 jobs; Springfield MSA fell by 3.0%, losing 3,300 jobs; and Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA saw a decrease of 0.9%, shedding 1,600 jobs.
Industries contributing to job growth across most metro areas included Government (in thirteen areas), Mining and Construction and Education and Health Services (in ten areas each), as well as Wholesale Trade and Other Services (in eight areas each).
The largest increases in unemployment rates were recorded in Chicago Metro (+0.8 point to 5.1%), Decatur MSA (+0.5 point to 6.4%), and the Illinois section of St. Louis MSA (+0.5 point to 4.6%).
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides essential services including employment resources like Job Fairs and IllinoisJobLink.com, analysis of labor market information, and administration of unemployment insurance programs.
For more details on IDES services or recent updates from the department, visit their website at IDES.Illinois.gov.
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