Illinois Payroll Jobs, Unemployment Rate Up in August

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were up +800 while the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 5.3 percent in August, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The July monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +12,900 to +10,300 jobs, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.2 percent, unchanged from the preliminary July unemployment rate.  The August payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

In August, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,300), Construction (+2,200), and Financial Activities (+1,600). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job declines included: Leisure and Hospitality (-2,900), Professional and Business Services (-1,600), and Other Services

(-1,500).

"The strength and stability of the Illinois labor market continues to grow with statewide payroll expansion and the diverse workforce," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.  "IDES remains to serve in its role as a pivotal resource to both jobseekers and employers who are eager to invest in the state's thriving economy."

"As payroll jobs steadily increase, DCEO is committed to our continuous efforts to invest in and support the state's workforce," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Building a strong labor market will not only bolster the state's economic growth, but it will ensure Illinois continues to be the best place to live, work and do business." 

The state's unemployment rate was +1.1 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for August. The national unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in August, down -0.1 percentage point from the previous month.  The Illinois unemployment rate was up +0.7 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.6 percent.

Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +36,300 jobs.  The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Government (+35,600), Private Education and Health Services (+26,100), and Other Services (+11,200). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-27,800), Financial Activities (-5,400), and Information (-4,400).  In August, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.6 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.5 percent in the nation.

The number of unemployed workers was 343,100, up +0.4 percent from the prior month, and up +15.7 percent over the same month one year ago.  The labor force was almost unchanged (0.0 percent) over-the-month and up +1.2 percent 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.

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 for hire and browse resumes.  Recently, IJL showed 60,004 posted resumes with 87,908 jobs available.

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates

Illinois Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs - by Major Industry