Prairie State Wire

Total nonfarm payroll employment in Illinois remained nearly unchanged in July, with a decrease of 2,500 jobs, according to data released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). The revised June figures showed an increase of 2,300 jobs rather than the previously reported 9,400.

In July, sectors showing job growth included Construction with an increase of 2,900 positions, Trade, Transportation and Utilities with 1,700 more jobs, and Private Education and Health Services adding 1,100 jobs. Sectors that experienced declines were Professional and Business Services (down by 3,500), Government (down by 2,900), and Leisure and Hospitality (down by 1,200).

Over the past year, Illinois added a total of 20,300 nonfarm payroll jobs. The largest gains were seen in Private Education and Health Services (+17,400), Government (+7,900), and Information (+3,900). Losses occurred in Professional and Business Services (-11,000), Manufacturing (-5,400), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-1,700). Year-over-year job growth in Illinois was measured at 0.3 percent compared to a national rate of 1.0 percent.

The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.6 percent for July based on preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure was unchanged from June after revisions.

“The continued stability in Illinois’ unemployment rate and labor market highlights the strength of our state’s workforce," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "Through strategic investment and strong partnerships, we remain focused on expanding opportunities and supporting long-term economic growth across all communities.”

“The continued stability in Illinois’ unemployment rate and payroll numbers reflects the strength of our state’s economy,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “As we build on this steady progress, DCEO remains committed to supporting job creation and retention for businesses across Illinois.”

There were approximately 300,700 unemployed workers in July—a decrease of about 2.1 percent from June—and down by roughly 11.1 percent compared to one year ago. The labor force shrank slightly over both the month (-0.2%) and year (-0.6%).

IDES continues its efforts to connect jobseekers with employers through various initiatives such as job fairs co-hosted with workforce partners statewide as well as maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL), which is currently listing over sixty-six thousand available positions alongside more than sixty-three thousand posted resumes.

For additional resources or information about employment services offered by IDES—including labor market analysis tools—visit https://ides.illinois.gov/.