Illinois Payroll Jobs Hit Another Record in April as Growth Continues

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois payroll jobs reached a new record high for the second straight month in April, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The state recorded three consecutive months of job growth, while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.8 percent. Sectors showing the most growth included Government, Private Education and Health Services, and Leisure and Hospitality, while declines were seen in Professional and Business Services, Manufacturing, and Other Services. Compared to last year, Illinois added 36,100 jobs, with the labor force nearly unchanged from March and up 0.4 percent from April 2024.