Illinois Ranks #1 for Workforce Development in Midwest, Climbs to #3 in the Nation

CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that Site Selection Magazine, the leading economic development publication, has named Illinois #1 for workforce development in the Midwest and #3 in the nation for 2026 – up from #2 regionally and up from #4 nationally. The ranking highlights Illinois’ commitment to providing innovative workforce programs, career training and employment services that create resources for jobseekers and ensure businesses continue to thrive.

“Illinois’ rise to the top of workforce development rankings reflects our commitment to building the strongest talent pipeline in the nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’re aligning education and training with the real needs of employers so people can get good jobs and companies can confidently invest and expand right here in Illinois.”

The workforce development rankings, based on an updated index of criteria, “take into account that workforce’s prowess, whether measured by credentials, certificates and degrees; technical skills and productivity; or something equally important to employee and employer alike: return on investment.” They combine metrics from multiple organizations, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, SkillsUSA, Lumina Foundation, ACT, and Strada.

“As Illinois comes off a record year of economic growth, the latest economic development rankings are solidifying Illinois’ position as a global economic powerhouse,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “With continued investments in workforce development, record-breaking investments incentivized through DCEO programs, and a collaborative effort to target emerging industries, momentum is building in Illinois.”

Site Selection Magazine also ranked the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro #4 in the 2026 North American Tech Hub Index, up from #6 in 2025. To determine this ranking, Site Selection Magazine elected to “draw a bead on where the hottest tech hubs are located, marry the most granular tech infrastructure data (internet exchanges, dark fiber, undersea cable connectivity, etc.) with tech talent metrics and corporate facility project numbers from tech-aligned industry sectors such as software development, data centers and telecommunications.”

"Illinois is consistently investing in economic development in the ways it matters most, such as investing in its people. From apprenticeships to advanced manufacturing academies to world class universities and innovative industry partnerships, Illinois is building a steady workforce pipeline," said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. "Just as Illinois' recognition for workforce development is well deserved, so too is the award for Cronus--a project that exemplifies the remarkable results of collaboration, our commitment to reducing emissions, and Illinois' strength in agriculture, manufacturing, and job creation."

Additionally, Business Facilities recognized DCEO and Team Illinois – a collaboration between the Governor’s Office, DCEO, Illinois EDC, and other partners focused on attracting economic growth and jobs to Illinois – with a 2025 Impact Award highlighting the success in bringing Cronus Chemicals to Tuscola, strengthening the state’s economy and creating jobs.

Illinois’ strong fiscal growth – including 10 credit upgrades since 2021 and $13 billion incentivized investments in 2025 – has laid the foundation for continued growth in key industries outlined in Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan. With these targeted investments, the state is becoming a nation-leader in emerging industries including quantum technology, electric vehicle manufacturing, clean energy production, next-generation agriculture and more.

The Pritzker Administration has consistently invested in workforce training to advance career training opportunities for residents across all industries. From training initiatives and trade programs, Illinois has a sustainable pipeline of qualified workers for every field.

Illinois’ workforce development is rooted in equity, innovation, and growth for the future. The state fosters apprenticeship programs at every level and has more than 450 Registered Apprenticeship programs serving nearly 22,000 registered apprentices. In 2025, DCEO awarded $10 million through the Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program to support workforce programs that expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and pre-apprenticeship programs leading to RAPs – serving more than 740 pre-apprentices and over 1,100 registered apprentices.

In 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program was launched to increase access to good-paying jobs in the trades for historically underrepresented populations. During the first year of the program, nearly $10 million was awarded to 22 diverse organization across the state, paving the way for 1,024 participants to secure jobs and greater opportunities. In 2025, Illinois Works awarded an additional $19 million to support 38 organizations and 1,900 pre-apprentices. Participation in the program has already increased 86% from its inaugural year.

###