Employment opportunities in Illinois: Diverse job market across industries. Strong presence in healthcare sector. Opportunities in manufacturing and technology. Chicago: major financial and business hub. Growing renewable energy jobs. Agricultural employment in rural areas. Competitive wages and salary growth. State support for small businesses. Numerous educational and research institutions. Networking opportunities in professional associations.
Diverse job market across industries.
Illinois boasts a diverse job market with significant employment opportunities across several primary industries, including Health Care, Retail, Manufacturing, Food Services, and Professional and Technology Services, each offering a wide range of careers and varying educational requirements. These industries are key contributors to the state's economy, providing robust career pathways for both new entrants and seasoned professionals. For more comprehensive insights, the Illinois Treasurer's website offers detailed information and resources on job market trends and statistics in Illinois, supporting job seekers and employers alike in navigating the evolving employment landscape.
Strong presence in healthcare sector.
Illinois offers a strong presence in the healthcare sector with numerous employment opportunities, including roles for RNs, LPNs, Behavioral Health Attendants, managers, executives, and administrative staff, as well as social work positions such as Family Case Managers and State Eligibility Consultants, all aimed at improving the lives of Illinois residents. For more information on these career opportunities, visit the Health Services website.
Opportunities in manufacturing and technology.
Illinois provides a wealth of employment opportunities in manufacturing, having added over 28,500 jobs since April, with average wages and benefits surpassing $80,000. The state has initiated a public education campaign to align job seekers with available manufacturing positions. Impressively, many of these jobs can be secured with on-the-job training or certifications instead of a four-year degree. For more information on openings and career resources within the manufacturing sector, visit their Makers Hiring website to explore current opportunities.
Chicago: major financial and business hub.
Chicago offers a wide range of finance job opportunities, including roles such as Financial Analyst, Director of Finance, and Investment Banking Analyst, with various companies and organizations listing positions on job boards. Many top companies and startups in the city are actively hiring for finance roles, with positions like Sr. Analyst in Finance, Senior Finance Associate, and Public Finance Analyst. These positions often come with attractive benefits such as 401-K matching and commuter benefits. For those interested in exploring these opportunities, visiting Built In Chicago can provide a comprehensive list of current openings in the finance sector.
Growing renewable energy jobs.
Illinois is experiencing significant growth in renewable energy jobs, with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) driving expansion in solar and wind energy, energy efficiency, and electric transportation. The act invests over $580 million annually in renewable energy projects, aims for 40% renewable energy by 2030, and supports equitable workforce development, particularly in underinvested communities. For more information on these developments, visit Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition for in-depth resources and updates on renewable energy initiatives in Illinois.
Agricultural employment in rural areas.
Agricultural employment in rural Illinois is a significant sector, with one in 17 jobs in the state related to agriculture and its associated industries, accounting for over 482,000 positions and supporting an additional 1.7 million jobs. The industry faces challenges such as labor shortages, but it remains a crucial economic force, with 96% of farms in Illinois being family-owned. For more insight into the challenges and the potential solutions, visit the Agricultural Industry hub which discusses these aspects in greater detail.
Competitive wages and salary growth.
In 2023, Illinois experienced a 6.4% annual pay growth, surpassing the national median of 6.2%, with the state's median pay level reaching $57,600. Despite this positive trend in pay, Illinois continues to trail behind in both national and regional GDP and employment growth rates. For more detailed insights, you can learn more about how the state compares by visiting the article on Illinois' Pay Growth at Central Illinois Proud's website.
State support for small businesses.
The Illinois State Treasurer's Small Business COVID-19 Relief Program provides economic support to small businesses and non-profits through low-rate loans and partnerships with financial institutions, helping them overcome revenue losses due to the pandemic. Additionally, various state programs, including grants and loan initiatives like the Back to Business Grant Program and the Illinois Small Business Emergency Loan Fund, offer financial assistance and resources to support small business growth and job creation.
Numerous educational and research institutions.
The University of Illinois Chicago's College of Education maintains a comprehensive job board that lists various employment opportunities in education, catering to those seeking positions such as teacher and school administrator jobs, graduate assistantships, and roles in higher education and research. Meanwhile, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a broad spectrum of employment opportunities across different categories, including faculty, staff, temporary positions, and various administrative and technical roles, all within a diverse and inclusive work environment. Moreover, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's College of Education is committed to innovation and inclusivity, providing employment opportunities for faculty and staff, with a particular focus on special education, research, and academic support roles.
Networking opportunities in professional associations.
The Illinois Public Employer Labor Relations Association (IPELRA) offers networking opportunities through professional associations, providing members with access to mentorship programs, free and discounted training, job postings, and legislative updates, particularly for those in public sector management and labor relations. For more information on membership benefits and opportunities, visit the Membership page.