The Employment Quality Illinois (EQ-IL) Index indicates that job quality in the state is good for many workers, better for others, even best for some, but still poor for too many. Using a survey sample of over 5,600 employed workers in Illinois, a composite index was constructed of job quality in the state. While workers report meaningful work and generally safe environments, persistent shortfalls remain in pay and stability, benefits coverage, advancement opportunities, work–life supports, and worker voice. Improving job quality in Illinois requires improvements across these subjective and objective dimensions rather than a narrow focus on wages alone.
