Payroll Jobs Up for Third Consecutive Month, Unemployment Rate Stable in May

Contact: Rebecca Cisco | 217-524-1219

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate remained at 5.1 percent in May, unchanged from April, and up +0.7 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised April unemployment rate was 5.1 percent.

Total nonfarm payrolls saw a third consecutive over-the-month increase in May, up +6,000 (+0.1%) to 6,164,800. The April monthly change in payrolls was +11,400, unchanged from the preliminary report. The May payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.

The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs increases included: Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,700), Manufacturing (+2,300), and Government (+1,800). The sectors with over-the-month jobs decreases included: Financial Activities (-3,300), and Other Services (-600).

Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs were down -2,300 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+18,800), Construction (+8,100) and Government (+4,300). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Professional and Business Services (-17,900), Financial Activities (-11,800), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-6,200). In May, total nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged (0.0%) over-the-year in Illinois and up +0.3 percent in the nation.

"Illinois added jobs for the third consecutive month in May, while the unemployment rate remained stable," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "Continued growth in payroll employment, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and transportation, is an encouraging sign that Illinois' economy remains resilient despite ongoing uncertainty coming from Washington. We will continue focusing on the fundamentals that support long-term growth: investing in our workforce, maintaining fiscal stability, and creating an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs."

"The steady increase in payroll jobs highlights the positive impact of investing in the hardworking people of Illinois," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "DCEO is committed to building upon this momentum, continuing to implement initiatives and programs that increase economic opportunities across the state."

The number of unemployed persons in May was 336,300, down -0.3% from April, and up +15.3% over the same month one year ago. The labor force was down -0.2% from April and down -0.8% 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 59,804 posted resumes with 64,162 jobs available. Additionally, in partnership with IDOL and DCEO, IDES published resources to assist federal employees and contractors impacted by recent terminations or deferred resignations.