Illinois’ September jobs remained nearly unchanged over August, while year-over-year growth continued with the state adding 24,400 nonfarm jobs compared to a year ago, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) said.
Over-the-month totals in September were -2,200, down 0.0% statistically to 6,162,600. In addition, IDES’ Wednesday, Dec. 10, monthly report said the August monthly change in payrolls went from -13,300 to -2,200 revised from IDES’ earlier preliminary report.
IDES said the release of September’s employment totals was delayed due to the record 43-day U.S. government shutdown.
The Illinois statewide unemployment rate was 4.4% in September, IDES said. That was unchanged from the previous month based on data provided to IDES by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
“While Illinois payrolls remain largely unchanged, these figures reflect the ongoing challenges created by prolonged federal uncertainty and the recent 43-day government shutdown, which disrupted the timely release of economic data and complicated planning for businesses,” Illinois Deputy Governor Andy Manar said in the release.
“The State of Illinois will continue to focus on strategic investments that support workers, businesses, and economic opportunity across the state,” he added.
The revised August unemployment was unchanged at 4.4%. The 4.4% September rate was down from 5% in September 2024.
The nation’s jobless rate is also at 4.4%, up from 4.1% last year. The September payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
Illinois, U.S. jobs up
In September, total Illinois nonfarm jobs were up 0.4% over-the-year while total nonfarm payrolls were up 0.8% in the nation.
The industry sectors in Illinois with the largest over-the-month jobs increases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities, +1,200; Information, +1,200; Leisure and Hospitality, +900; and Other Services, +900.
Industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Private Education and Health Services, -3,600; Government, -2,100; and Financial Activities, -600.
Compared to a year ago, total Illinois nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +24,400 positions. The industry groups that IDES said had the largest over-the-year increases included: Government, +23,000; Private Education and Health Services, +12,700; and Information, +5,800.
Industry groups with the largest jobs decreases compared to September 2024 included: Professional and Business Services, -10,600; Trade, Transportation and Utilities, -10,500; and Manufacturing.
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Kristin Richards said, “DCEO remains steadfast in our commitment to supporting Illinois’ world-class workforce and expanding job opportunities across the state.”
She added “Through ongoing investments in strategic workforce initiatives and a wide range of economic development resources, we are dedicated to strengthening communities and helping Illinoisans thrive.”
According to IDES, the number of unemployed persons in September was 287,000, down -1.9% from the prior month, and down -13.4% over the same month one year ago. The labor force decreased -0.2% over-the-month and was down -1.2% 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.
About IDES
IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring in a number of ways, including hosting and co-hosting job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners, and through maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL), the state’s largest job search engine. IJL is a tool used by jobseekers to look for work, and by employers who can post open and available positions and browse resumes. Recently, IJL showed 60,277 posted resumes with 68,287 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.
The IDES also provides employment resources including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, and Workshare IL, which analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information. It administers the Unemployment Insurance Program.
To see the full range of services, and for the department’s latest news, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.
