Illinois payroll jobs reach record high as unemployment rate drops in July

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., (KBSI) — Illinois reached a record high for payroll jobs in July as the state’s unemployment rate declined, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

The state’s unemployment rate fell to 4.9% in July, down from a revised 5.1% in June. The rate remained higher than a year ago, when it was 4.3%.

Illinois added 11,700 nonfarm payroll jobs in July, bringing the statewide total to a record 6,176,400 jobs. July marked the fifth consecutive month of payroll job growth.

Private education and health services recorded the largest monthly increase, adding 6,200 jobs. Trade, transportation and utilities added 3,800 jobs, while professional and business services gained 3,700.

Leisure and hospitality lost 3,800 jobs during the month, while financial activities declined by 2,200 and information lost 600 jobs.

Compared with July 2025, Illinois had 11,900 more nonfarm payroll jobs. Construction recorded one of the largest year-over-year gains with 12,700 additional jobs, while private education and health services added 13,000.

The number of unemployed Illinois residents fell 4.3% from June to 315,700. However, the number was 12.5% higher than in July 2025.

The state’s labor force decreased 0.4% from June and was down 1% compared with a year earlier.

The employment figures are based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.