Employment in Illinois reached a record high in March, with nonfarm payrolls increasing +0.2%, or +25,800 jobs, over-the-month to a record high of 6,172,300 jobs in, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently reported. The previous record was set in December 2024, with 6,161,000 jobs. In addition, the report said the February monthly change […]
Want to Read More?
Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Subscribe Now
Employment in Illinois reached a record high in March, with nonfarm payrolls increasing +0.2%, or +25,800 jobs, over-the-month to a record high of 6,172,300 jobs in, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) recently reported.
The previous record was set in December 2024, with 6,161,000 jobs. In addition, the report said the February monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary February report that initially showed a loss of -6,500 jobs, the Thursday, April 17 IDES news release said. Instead of a loss the updated report reflected an addition of +900 jobs in February.
“Today’s data is a marked bright spot for the Illinois labor market,” said Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar in the release. “The new high in job growth underscores the resolve of our state labor force and shows that working and doing business in Illinois pays off.”
The state’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.8% in March, unchanged from February. The number of unemployed workers rose +0.1% from the prior month to 321,500. That was, however, down 2.5% over the year. The labor force was down 0.1% over-the-month and up 0.6% over-the-year.
Overall, the labor force shrank slightly over the month but remains up 0.6% year-over-year.
The March payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
Job gains and losses
Industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases included: Government, +4,500; Trade, Transportation and Utilities, +2,600; and Private Education and Health Services, +2,200. The industry sectors with monthly payroll job decreases included: Information, -400; and Financial Activities, -300.
Year-over-year total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +34,200. The industry groups with the largest increases in jobs included: Government, +20,900; Private Education and Health Services, +19,800; and Leisure and Hospitality, +5,800. The industry groups with job decreases included: Professional and Business Services, -12,900; Manufacturing, -5,500;, and Construction, -900. In March, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.6% over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.2% in the nation.
“The record-breaking job growth throughout Illinois is a true testament to the state’s commitment to supporting its world-class workforce,” The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) Director Kristin Richards said in the release. “Our work continues as we strive to ensure Illinois remains the best place to live, work and do business.”
The unemployment rate identifies individuals who are out of work and seeking employment. An individual who exhausts or is ineligible for benefits is still reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work.
IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers including hosting and co-hosting job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners, and through maintaining Illinois JobLink. Recently, IJL showed 62,346 posted resumes with 77,972 jobs available. Additionally, in partnership with IDOL and DCEO, IDES published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.
