Published on May 1, 2026 4:41 pm
Last Updated on May 1, 2026 4:41 pm
The Illinois unemployment rate in March was 5.1%, up from an even 5% in February and up from 4.6% in March 2025.
Total nonfarm payrolls increased over-the-month in March, up 8,400.
The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs increases include Private Education and Health Services, Professional and Business Services, and Government. The industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job decreases included Trade, Transportation and Utilities, Financial Activities, and Manufacturing.
Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs were down 4,300.
