Published on June 19, 2026 4:27 pm
Last Updated on June 19, 2026 4:27 pm
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.
