Illinois Payroll Jobs Increase, Unemployment Rate Stable in January

Contact: Rebecca Cisco  |  217-524-1219  |  PDF Version

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.7 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +1,700 in January, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES.  The December revised unemployment rate was 4.7 percent, down -0.1 percentage point from the preliminary December unemployment rate of 4.8 percent.  The December monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +1,200 to -6,600 jobs.  The January unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

In January, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Government (+5,000), Educational and Health Services (+3,400), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,300).  The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll job declines included: Professional and Business Services (-6,100), Construction (-5,300), and Leisure and Hospitality (-1,200).

“Today’s data is an encouraging start to the new year as payroll jobs continue to grow and the state’s workforce remains strong,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.  “IDES stands ready to assist Illinois jobseekers and employers with vital services that will help to bridge both groups together.”

“Illinois’ world-class workforce remains strong as payroll jobs continue to grow in Illinois,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards.  “By prioritizing equipping Illinois jobseekers, workers, and businesses with the tools needed to thrive in the state’s growing economy, DCEO is bolstering economic development across numerous sectors throughout Illinois.”

The state’s unemployment rate was +1.0 percentage point higher than the national unemployment rate reported for January.  The national unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in January, unchanged from the previous month.  The Illinois unemployment rate was up +0.3 percentage point from a year ago when it was 4.4 percent.

Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll jobs decreased by -6,600 jobs, with losses across most major industries.  The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-40,000), Information (-8,100), and Construction (-6,700).  The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Educational and Health Services (+22,300), Government (+22,200), and Leisure and Hospitality (+4,400).  In January, total nonfarm payrolls were down -0.1 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.9 percent in the nation.

The number of unemployed workers was 305,500, up +0.3 percent from the prior month, and up +7.6 percent over the same month one year ago. The labor force was up +0.1 percent over-the-month and up +1.1 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.

In June 2020, Governor 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 58,289 posted resumes with 94,610 available jobs.

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates - See PDF

Illinois Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Jobs – by Major Industry  - See PDF

About the Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment services to Illinois workers, employers, and job seekers with resources including Job Fairs and IllinoisJobLink.com, 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.