The State of Illinois saw nonfarm payrolls grow by 7,100 jobs in September while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3%, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

In a news release last week, IDES announced the latest monthly employment statistics based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Illinois unemployment rate was up +0.6 percentage point in September from a year ago when it was 4.7%.

In addition, IDES said the August monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report of +800 jobs to +6,700 jobs. The revised unemployment rate for August remained at 5.3%.  

The September payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

According to IDES, the Illinois industry sectors showing the largest over-the-month job gains included: Private Education and Health Services, +4,600; Leisure and Hospitality, +3,600; and Government, +2,800. The largest monthly payroll job declines were in these sectors: Financial Activities, -3,000; Professional and Business Services, -3,000; and Construction, -1,300.

“Steady, consistent job growth throughout the state mirrors the strength and stability of the Illinois economy,” Deputy Gov. Andy Manar said in the IDES release. “IDES remains a critical workforce tool for jobseekers and employers as new jobs and more opportunities are created throughout the state.”

The state’s unemployment rate was +1.2 percentage points higher than the nation’s 4.1% unemployment rate reported for September. The national unemployment rate was down -0.1 percentage point from the previous month.  

Jobs up nationwide

Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs nationwide increased by +35,400 jobs.  The industry groups with the largest job increases included: Government, 43,500, Private Education and Health Services, +28,500; and Other Services, +10,100. The industry groups with the largest decreases in jobs included: Professional and Business Service, -32,000; Financial Activities, -9,000; and Information, -3,600. 

In September, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.6 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +1.6 percent in the nation.

“Continuing to invest in the state’s workforce is critical to building upon our growing economic development efforts,” Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, said in the release. “As payroll jobs continue to grow, DCEO remains committed to ensuring all Illinoisans have access to the resources and tools they need to be successful.”

The number of unemployed workers in Illinois was 343,700. That’s up +0.2% from the prior month, and up +12.9% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was almost unchanged (0.0 percent) over-the-month and up +1% over-the-year. 

IDES helps connect jobseekers to employers who are hiring in many ways. That includes hosting and co-hosting job fairs and hiring events with statewide workforce partners, and maintaining Illinois JobLink (IJL). The state’s largest job search engine, IJL, is a tool used by jobseekers to look for work. Employers also can post open and available positions for hire and browse resumes.  Recently, IJL showed 59,842 posted resumes with 87,316 jobs available.

The unemployment rate identifies 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.