Illinois’ July jobless rate held steady at 4.0% – the lowest levels since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic – while payroll jobs hit a record high, jumping +1,200 that month.
The payroll job numbers also surpassed the pre-pandemic number of total nonfarm payrolls, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and released by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
As part of the monthly report, IDES said the June revised unemployment rate also was 4.0%, unchanged from the preliminary June unemployment rate. The June monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +8,400 to +9,700 jobs.
The July unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
In July, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Educational and Health Services +6,400 jobs; Trade, Transportation and Utilities +4,500; and Government +1,900. The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included: Professional and Business Services -3,000 jobs; Other Services -900; and Manufacturing -500.
Job growth steady
“Illinois has experienced consecutive job growth every month this year, and today’s record-breaking total payroll jobs data is clear indication of the marked level of strength in the labor market throughout the state,” Illinois Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the IDES news release. “As the state continues to prioritize investments in workforce opportunities, IDES and its partners stand ready to provide the services needed for individuals to take advantage of the new and expanding job possibilities across Illinois.”
The state’s unemployment rate was +0.5 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for July. The national unemployment rate was 3.5% in July, down -0.1 percentage point from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was down -0.4 percentage point from a year ago when it was at 4.4%.
Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +89,700 jobs, with gains across most major industries. The industry groups with the largest payroll job increases included: Educational and Health Services +42,500, Government +27,200, and Leisure and Hospitality +26,500. The industry groups with July job losses included: Professional and Business Services -12,400, Manufacturing -10,200, and Information -5,200. In July, total nonfarm payrolls were up +1.5% over-the-year in Illinois and up +2.2% in the nation.
The number of unemployed workers was 255,100, the lowest level since the onset of the pandemic. The number of unemployed was down -1.2% from the prior month, and -11% from the same month one year ago. The labor force was down -0.2% over-the-month and down -0.3% over-the-year.
The unemployment rate identifies those 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.
Illinois making progress
“It’s clear that Illinois is making significant progress as we achieve this notable milestone for payroll jobs,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards said. “Illinois is experiencing a banner year for economic development and DCEO remains committed to providing resources and support to job seekers and job creators across the state.”
In June 2020, Gov. J.B. Pritzker launched Get Hired Illinois, a one-stop-shop website to help connect job seekers with hiring employers in real time. The site features virtual job fairs, no-cost virtual training, and includes IllinoisJobLink.com (IJL), the state’s largest job search engine, which recently showed 53,334 posted resumes with 107,599 available jobs.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment services to Illinois workers, jobseekers, and employers with resources including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, and WorkShare IL. That program analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information, and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program. To see the full range of services provided by IDES, and for the latest news concerning the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.
