SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Jobs across the state were up according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) this past December.

According to IDES, the unemployment rate fell -0.1% to 5.2% in December based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Additionally, nonfarm payrolls increased by 8,800 last month as well.

Also in December, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job increases include:

• Financial Activities (+2,900)
• Private Education and Health Services (+2,600)
• Government (+2,000)

On the other hand, the sectors with the largest monthly payroll job decreases were:

• Professional and Business Services (-2,100)
• Other Services (-1,000)

“IDES and its workforce development partners are committed to ensuring everyone has the tools and resources they need to find professional opportunities to participate in and benefit from the stability of the state’s economic activity,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “The state continues to prioritize its workforce investments that assist with growth and expansion that benefit both jobseekers and employers.”

Despite the unemployment rate decreasing in December, Illinois’ unemployment rate was still 1.1% higher than the national unemployment rate last month. That state’s unemployment rate was also up 0.5% from a year ago when it was 4.7%.

The December nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.9% over-the-year statewide. Total nonfarm payroll jobs also increased by 56,000 jobs compared to a year ago.

The number of unemployed workers was 340,400, which was down 1.7% from November, but up 11.8% compared to December 2023. Additionally, the labor force was up 0.1% over-the-month and up 1.2% over-the-year.

“Our commitment to strategically investing in the state’s workforce is essential to ensuring all Illinoisans have access to good-paying jobs,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “As unemployment rates decrease and payroll job numbers grow, DCEO is dedicated to building upon our efforts to bolster the state’s economy.”