In an effort to compete with record low unemployment, the U.S. Census is offering higher wages than it has ever offered.
With Illinois’ unemployment rate at 3.7 percent in December, Ellisa Johnson with the Census Bureau’s Chicago office says the bureau needs thousands of additional temporary workers.
According to its website, the Census is now offering jobs paying up to $29.50 per hour in the Chicago area and $23.50 an hour in the Peoria area, and $21 an hour in Springfield. Hourly pay in each county is at least $17 per hour with reimbursements. Johnson says these workers are necessary to ensure all Illinoisans are counted this spring.
This is the first Census that allows people to enter their information online or by phone.