Published on September 18, 2026 9:33 am
Last Updated on September 18, 2026 9:33 am
The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate was 4.7 percent in August, down -0.2 percentage point from July, and up +0.4 percentage point from the same month, one year ago, based on data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The revised July unemployment rate was 4.9 percent.
Total nonfarm payrolls decreased over-the-month in August, down -4,400 (-0.1%) to 6,175,600. The July monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +11,700 to +15,300. The August 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: Leisure and Hospitality (+1,800), Construction (+1,500), and Professional and Business Services (+1,000). The sectors with the largest over-the-month jobs decreases included: Private Education and Health Services (-6,100), Financial Activities (-1,700), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-1,000).
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs were up +15,000 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Construction (+13,400), Private Education and Health Services (+9,600), and Other Services (+4,000). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included: Financial Activities (-15,800), Information (-2,900) and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-700). In August, total nonfarm payrolls were up +0.2% over-the-year in Illinois and up +0.4% in the nation.
