March 13, 2023 – The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced that the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 4.5 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by +14,300 in January, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES.
The December monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -800 to -4,800 jobs. The December revised unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, down -0.1 point from the preliminary unemployment rate of 4.7 percent. The January payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th.
In January, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment included: Government (+7,900), Leisure and Hospitality (+6,300), and Educational and Health Services (+1,900). The industry sectors with monthly payroll declines included: Information (-900), Professional and Business Services (-900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-500), and Other Services (-500).
“Today’s data is an encouraging start to the new year as Illinois’ recovery continues to trend in the right direction statewide,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “IDES remains committed to assisting jobseekers and employers with the resources they need to find new, expanded opportunities to participate in the state’s labor market.”
“While working to bolster economic development across the state, Illinois continues to make steady progress with decreased unemployment rates and increased job growth,” said DCEO Acting Director Kristin A. Richards. “DCEO will remain a steadfast partner for Illinoisans by investing in workforce development while attracting and retaining the businesses that fuel our state’s economy.”
The state’s unemployment rate was +1.1 percentage points higher than the national unemployment rate reported for January, which was 3.4 percent, down -0.1 percentage point from the previous month. The Illinois unemployment rate was down -0.3 percentage point from a year ago when it was at 4.8 percent.
Compared to a year ago, nonfarm payroll employment increased by +163,900 jobs, with gains across all major industries. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Leisure and Hospitality (+44,700), Educational and Health Services (+38,100), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+24,000). In January, total nonfarm payrolls were up +2.8 percent over-the-year in Illinois and up +3.3 percent in the nation.
