What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?
Chicago, IL, offers a diverse job market with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $83,576. This figure reflects the city's strong economy and various job opportunities. Many industries contribute to these salaries, including finance, healthcare, and technology.
The salary distribution shows a range of earnings across different sectors. The top-paying jobs include those in finance, healthcare, and technology, with salaries reaching up to $230,000 annually. Other notable sectors include legal, management, and education, offering salaries from $50,773 to $122,464. This variety ensures that job seekers can find roles that match their skills and career aspirations.
What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

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Staff Physician
Average Salary: $354,493
This role involves diagnosing and treating patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. Major employers include Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center.
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Owner Operator
Average Salary: $311,353
This role involves managing a business. They oversee operations and staff. Companies like United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx offer these positions.
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Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $309,992
This role involves treating mental health conditions. They work in private practices and hospitals. Notable employers include Rush University Medical Center and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $254,735
This role involves administering anesthesia. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. Major employers include Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Advocate Health Care.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $250,262
This role involves diagnosing and treating oral health issues. They work in private practices and clinics. Notable employers include Heartland Dental and Aspen Dental.
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Physician
Average Salary: $239,211
This role involves diagnosing and treating patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. Major employers include Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $225,314
This role involves providing general medical care. They work in clinics and hospitals. Notable employers include Northwestern Medicine and Rush University Medical Center.
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Chief Operating Officer
Average Salary: $200,320
This role involves managing daily operations. They work in corporate settings. Major employers include Boeing and Accenture.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $188,533
This role involves providing legal advice. They work in corporate settings. Notable employers include Boeing and Accenture.
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Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $188,181
This role involves developing business strategies. They work in corporate settings. Major employers include Boeing and Accenture.
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What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL without a degree?

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Dry Cleaner
Average Salary: $97,788
This job involves cleaning and pressing clothing. It requires attention to detail and knowledge of cleaning techniques. Many local businesses offer this service.
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Terminal Operator
Average Salary: $73,226
Operators handle the movement of goods in a terminal. They need to understand logistics and safety procedures. Companies like UPS and FedEx offer these roles.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $62,778
Canvassers gather information and promote products or services. They work outdoors and interact with the community. Local businesses often hire canvassers for marketing.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $60,203
Laborers mix and pour concrete for construction projects. They need physical strength and basic construction skills. Many construction firms in the city offer these positions.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $59,950
Managers oversee daily operations in restaurants. They handle staff, inventory, and customer service. Many local eateries need experienced managers.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $58,582
Technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They need to understand water systems and landscaping. Companies specializing in landscaping offer these jobs.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $52,650
Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and ensure food quality. They need to be organized and knowledgeable about food safety. Many restaurants and cafes hire kitchen managers.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $50,435
Specialists handle orders for takeout and delivery. They need to be efficient and customer-focused. Many local restaurants offer these positions.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $45,959
Finishers smooth and finish concrete surfaces. They need to be detail-oriented and physically fit. Construction companies often hire finishers for various projects.
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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $45,951
Climbers work in trees to prune and maintain them. They need to be physically strong and knowledgeable about tree care. Landscaping companies offer these roles.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

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Fox Freight, Inc.
Average Salary: $378,000
Fox Freight, Inc. is a leading logistics company. They offer top-notch compensation and benefits.
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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $260,806
Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity firm. They provide competitive salaries and a dynamic work environment.
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SAP
Average Salary: $233,681
SAP is a software company. They offer excellent career growth and a strong salary package.
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Leader Freight Systems
Average Salary: $231,184
Leader Freight Systems is a logistics company. They provide good salaries and a supportive work culture.
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Selby Jennings
Average Salary: $210,084
Selby Jennings is a staffing and recruitment firm. They offer competitive pay and career advancement opportunities.
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ServiceNow
Average Salary: $188,064
ServiceNow is an IT management company. They offer attractive salaries and a collaborative work environment.
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Okta
Average Salary: $184,658
Okta is a cloud security company. They provide good compensation and a dynamic work culture.
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EY
Average Salary: $181,661
EY is a global accounting firm. They offer competitive salaries and a variety of career paths.
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Google
Average Salary: $177,421
Google is a tech giant. They offer high salaries and a creative work environment.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $175,179
Amazon Web Services is a cloud computing company. They provide good pay and opportunities for growth.
How does the cost of living in Chicago, IL compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Chicago, Illinois, shows a varied picture when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Chicago stand at 120, indicating that residents pay 20% more than the national average for housing. This higher cost can significantly impact overall living expenses, making it a crucial factor for job seekers to consider.
In other areas, Chicago's cost of living remains relatively close to the national average. Groceries cost 105, which is 5% higher than the average. Utilities are slightly below the average at 95, meaning residents spend 5% less on utilities. Transportation costs are 110, which is 10% higher. Healthcare costs are also 15% higher at 115. Miscellaneous expenses, which include items like entertainment and personal care, are at 102, just 2% above the average. These figures show that while some costs are higher, others are comparable or even lower than the average, offering a balanced view for potential residents.



