Illinois Hits Record High in Payroll Jobs, Employment Growth in March

A new record was set last month (March) for total nonfarm payroll jobs in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).

Nonfarm Payrolls Surge to Historic Levels

Illinois hit a record of 6,172,300 nonfarm payroll jobs in March, marking an increase of over 14,000 jobs from February and surpassing the previous high of 6,161,000 jobs posted in December 2024.

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Revisions to February's preliminary report also showed a clearer picture. What was originally reported as a -6,500 job loss was updated to a gain of +900 jobs, showing better momentum than previously expected.

Unemployment Holds Steady at 4.8 percent

Illinois' unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.8 percent in March, which was consistent with the revised February rate.

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The number of unemployed workers was reported as 321,500, a slight increase of 0.1 percent from the prior month, but year to year it was down 2.5 percent.

Sector Highlights: Government and Health Services Lead Growth

The largest over-the-month gains were seen in Government (+4500), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2600), and Private Education and Health Services (+2200).

The areas where job losses occurred were in Information (-400) and Financial Activities (-300).

Compared to March 2024, Illinois added 34,200 jobs overall. Top-performing sectors over the year include Government (+20,900), and Health Services (+19,800), while sectors like Professional and Business Services (-12,900) and Manufacturing (-5500) posted declines.

In the press release, Illinois state officials highlighted Illinois' strengths as a place to work and do business.