Illinois Job Market Flat in May, Unemployment Steady at 4.8%

The Illinois Department of Employment (IDES) announced on Friday (6/20) that total nonfarm payrolls in the Land of Lincoln were virtually unchanged in May.

Payroll Growth Stalls with Only 100 Jobs Added in May

According to the IDES press release, only 100 more jobs were added in May, bringing the total to 6,166,100, which follows the revision of April's numbers that changed from a 4,100 job gain to a 2,400 job loss.

Even with growth being stagnant, Illinois' May unemployment rate held steady at 4.8 percent, virtually unchanged from April, according to the press release.

Job Gains and Losses Highlight Industry Challenges

The IDES reported that several industries showed modest growth over the month, including Professional and Business Services, gaining 1,900 jobs, followed by Financial Activities, which added 1,600 jobs.

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Leisure and Hospitality added 1,100 jobs, while other sectors had job losses that offset the growth. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities had the biggest decline, losing 2,800 jobs, with Government and Private Education and Health Services also posting job losses.

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Highlighting the year-over-year job numbers was the addition of 21,200 jobs, led by Private Education and Health Services (16,100), Leisure and Hospitality (7,800), and Government (7,000).

Challengers are ahead for some job sectors, including Manufacturing and Trade, which have lost more than 10,000 jobs year-over-year, according to the IDES press release.

Officials Cite Stability Amid Border Uncertainty

According to Illinois Deputy Governor Andy Manar, the labor market in Illinois is "stable," and he gives credit to the state's economic strategies for maintaining a reliable foundation.

IDES reports 318,600 unemployed individuals in May, which is a 1 percent decrease from April. The labor force declined slightly, dropping 0.2 percent over the month, but is flat year-over-year.

Illinois JobLink Offers Resources for Job Seekers

IDES continues to support job seekers with resources like Illinois JobLink, which currently has over 67,000 jobs listed and over 59,000 resumes, according to the press release.