Jobs Up in Majority of Metro Areas in May

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

SPRINGFIELD – Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs increased in ten metropolitan areas and decreased in four for the year ending May 2024, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES).  Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in twelve metropolitan areas, decreased in one and was unchanged in one.

“Steady, consistent job growth continues to benefit workers and employers in every corner of the state,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar.  “Investing in a strong, viable workforce ecosystem which remains advantageous to our diverse labor force continues to be a top priority.”

The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+2.5%, +3,100), the Bloomington MSA (+1.7%, +1,700), and the Elgin Metro (+1.7%, +4,500).  In the Chicago-Naperville-Arlington Heights Metropolitan Division, total nonfarm jobs were up +0.1% or +4,900.  The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Springfield MSA (-2.0%, -2,200), the Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IA-IL MSA (-1.5%, -2,700) and the Decatur MSA (-1.0%, -500).  Industries that saw job growth in a majority of metro areas included: Government (twelve areas); Private Education and Health Services and Other Services (eleven areas each); Wholesale Trade (ten areas); and Manufacturing (eight areas).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Chicago Metro Division (+1.1 points to 4.8%), and the Bloomington MSA (+0.6 point to 4.2%).  The unemployment rate decreased in the Rockford MSA (-0.6 point to 5.6%) and was unchanged in the Decatur MSA.

Unemployment Rates (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - See PDF

Total Nonfarm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - May 2024  - See PDF

About the Department of Employment Security

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, 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.