The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports the state’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.1% in May, the same as April but up 0.7 points from last year. Nonfarm payrolls increased for a third straight month, adding 6,000 jobs for a total of 6,164,800.
Job gains were led by Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+2,700), Manufacturing (+2,300), and Government (+1,800). Declines were seen in Financial Activities (-3,300) and Other Services (-600). Compared to last May, overall payrolls were down by 2,300 jobs. The biggest year-over-year gains came in Private Education and Health Services, Construction, and Government, while losses were seen in Professional and Business Services, Financial Activities, and Trade, Transportation and Utilities. Nationally, payrolls rose 0.3% over the year.