Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024Annual average unemployment rate.
Employment
Total people employed.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED ILNA).
| Indicator | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (millions)2024, BLS | 6.28 | 161.3 |
Unemployment
Unemployment rate and claims.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED ILUR).
Labor Force
Size of the working population.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED ILLF).
| Indicator | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor force (millions)2024, BLS | 6.6 | 168.5 |
Occupations
Largest occupational groups.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation & warehousing share2024, BLS | 10% | 7% |
Salaries
Wages and earnings.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU17000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU17000000500000003).
| Indicator | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage2024, BLS | $52,180 | $48,060 |
Remote Work
Share of employees working from home.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Remote work share2023, ACS | 19% | 14% |
Workforce Participation
Labor force participation rate.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA17).
| Indicator | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor force participation2024, BLS | 64.9% | 62.6% |