Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has reported an increase in nonfarm payrolls by 7,100 jobs for September, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 5.3 percent. This data is based on preliminary figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and was released by IDES.

Revisions to August's data showed a change in payrolls from an initial estimate of 800 to 6,700 jobs, with the unemployment rate unchanged at 5.3 percent. The September figures reflect employment activity during the week including the 12th.

Significant job gains were noted in sectors such as Private Education and Health Services (+4,600), Leisure and Hospitality (+3,600), and Government (+2,800). Conversely, declines were observed in Financial Activities (-3,000), Professional and Business Services (-3,000), and Construction (-1,300).

Deputy Governor Andy Manar commented on the state's economic situation: “Steady, consistent job growth throughout the state mirrors the strength and stability of the Illinois economy.” Kristin Richards, Director of DCEO added: “Continuing to invest in the state's workforce is critical to building upon our growing economic development efforts.”

Illinois' unemployment rate stood at 1.2 percentage points higher than the national average for September which was recorded at 4.1 percent—a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from August. Compared to last year’s figure of 4.7 percent for Illinois, this represents a rise of 0.6 percentage points.

Over the past year, total nonfarm payroll jobs have grown by 35,400 in Illinois with notable increases in Government (+43,500), Private Education and Health Services (+28,500), and Other Services (+10,100). However significant decreases were also recorded in Professional and Business Services (-32,000), Financial Activities (-9,000), and Information (-3,600).

The number of unemployed individuals rose slightly by 0.2 percent from last month totaling 343,700—an increase of nearly 13 percent compared to a year ago. The labor force saw minimal changes over-the-month but grew by one percent over-the-year.

IDES continues its efforts to connect jobseekers with employers through various initiatives including job fairs and events across Illinois as well as through their online platform Illinois JobLink (IJL). Currently IJL lists over 59 thousand resumes alongside more than eighty-seven thousand available positions.

For further details regarding seasonal adjustments or major industry-specific statistics refer to IDES’ published PDFs.