The strength of the Illinois economy lies in its diversity. Manufacturing, agriculture, finance, transportation and publishing are some of the primary industries and providers of jobs in Illinois. McDonald’s, Boeing, Archer Daniels Midland, Motorola and United Airlines are all headquartered in Illinois. Chicago, Illinois, the third most populous city in the U.S., is one of the world’s most important financial centers. Many jobs in Chicago are also due to its importance as a transportation and distribution hub.

Some of the finest colleges and universities in the country are based in Illinois, including Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. Illinois education jobs have been an important part of Chicago’s economy and its cultural and religious life; Chicago is second worldwide only to Vatican City for number of seminaries and theological schools. Hospitals and medical schools are another important source of Chicago jobs. Nuclear power is a unique contributor to the Illinois jobs market; IL has more nuclear generating capacity than any other state in the nation.