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What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?

The average salary in Chicago, IL is $86,641 per year.

Chicago offers a range of salary opportunities for professionals. The average yearly salary stands at $86,641. This provides a solid income for those working in the Windy City. Understanding these figures can help job seekers make informed decisions about their career paths.


Some of the highest-paying jobs in Chicago include:

  • Chief executives make around $232,000 per year.
  • Software developers earn about $159,709 annually.
  • Physicians can expect to make approximately $141,636 each year.
  • Computer and information systems managers have a yearly salary of roughly $123,564.
  • Actuaries bring home around $105,491 per year.

This diverse range of salaries shows that various industries offer good pay in Chicago.

View jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

Chicago offers many high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Physicians, including psychiatrists and radiologists, earn some of the highest salaries in the city. Experienced executives, such as chief operating officers and general counsels, also enjoy competitive pay. These top jobs require specialized skills and education, but they offer excellent financial rewards. Staff physicians, psychiatrists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists are in high demand and well-compensated. Business leaders who become owner operators can also achieve significant earnings. For job seekers, these roles provide promising pathways to financial success in Chicago.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Staff Physician with the highest at $371,877 and General Counsel with the lowest at $200,061.
  1. Staff Physician
    Average Salary: $371,877
    This role involves diagnosing and treating patients in various medical settings. Hospitals and clinics often hire for this position. They look for professionals skilled in patient care and medical knowledge.
    Find Staff Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $305,479
    Psychiatrists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. They work in private practices and mental health facilities. Their goal is to improve patient mental well-being.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $302,836
    An owner operator manages a business, often in transportation or logistics. They handle daily operations and ensure the company runs smoothly. They need strong leadership skills and business acumen.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $260,901
    This role involves administering anesthesia to patients. They work in hospitals and surgery centers. They must have excellent attention to detail and a deep understanding of anesthesia.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $255,742
    General dentists provide oral care to patients. They work in private practices and dental clinics. Their duties include cleaning teeth, filling cavities, and performing minor surgeries.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Physician
    Average Salary: $251,459
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and private practices. They must be knowledgeable in various medical fields and skilled in patient care.
    Find Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $244,811
    Primary care physicians provide general medical care. They work in clinics and hospitals. They focus on preventive care and managing chronic conditions.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Radiologist
    Average Salary: $219,613
    Radiologists interpret medical images to diagnose conditions. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. They need strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of radiology.
    Find Radiologist jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $209,236
    This role involves overseeing daily operations in a company. They work in corporate environments. They must be strong leaders and strategic thinkers.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $200,061
    General counsels provide legal advice to organizations. They work in corporate offices. They need a strong understanding of law and business operations.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL without a degree?

Chicago offers a range of well-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. For instance, those interested in a career with good pay can consider becoming an Equipment Manager, with an average salary of $99,794. Other top-paying jobs include Dry Cleaners and Restaurant Managers, each with average salaries over $60,000. People interested in these roles can also find good income in positions like Terminal Operator and Irrigation Technician, both offering salaries around $60,000 or more. These careers provide a chance to earn a stable income without the need for a college degree. Exploring these options can lead to both financial stability and career satisfaction.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL without a degree, highlighting Equipment Manager with the highest at $99,794 and Concrete Finisher with the lowest at $48,417.
  1. Equipment Manager
    Average Salary: $99,794
    Work in manufacturing or construction. Oversee maintenance and repairs. Ensure tools and equipment run smoothly. Companies often have large operations.
    Find Equipment Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Dry Cleaner
    Average Salary: $96,517
    Operate dry cleaning machines. Handle delicate fabrics. Work in a busy, fast-paced environment. Many establishments offer evening and weekend hours.
    Find Dry Cleaner jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $72,070
    Work in a busy fast-food or casual dining restaurant. Prepare orders for takeout. Communicate clearly with customers. Provide a fast, efficient service.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $66,972
    Speak with potential customers at their homes or workplaces. Gather information and feedback. Promote products or services. Must be persuasive and knowledgeable.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $63,858
    Supervise kitchen and dining staff. Handle customer complaints. Ensure food quality and safety. Work in a fast-paced environment. Serve a diverse clientele.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Terminal Operator
    Average Salary: $62,080
    Operate machinery in a shipping or receiving facility. Handle and move cargo. Must follow safety protocols. Work in a dynamic setting with many hours of physical activity.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Work with landscaping crews. Ensure efficient water use. Must have knowledge of system design and maintenance.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $58,435
    Assist with concrete pouring and finishing. Handle tools and materials. Work outdoors in various weather conditions. Must be physically fit and detail-oriented.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $52,348
    Oversee kitchen operations. Coordinate with cooks and servers. Ensure food quality and safety. Work in a fast-paced environment. Must be organized and efficient.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $48,417
    Smooth and texture concrete surfaces. Use hand tools and power equipment. Work outdoors and at heights. Must have good manual dexterity and attention to detail.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chicago, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

Job seekers in Chicago can find attractive opportunities with some of the best-paying companies in the area. Empire National leads with an average salary of $287,950, making it a top choice for professionals seeking high compensation. Other notable employers in Chicago with competitive salaries include Palo Alto Networks, SAP, and Selby Jennings. Companies like Okta, Equinix, and ServiceNow also offer strong compensation packages, along with leading global firms such as EY, Publicis Sapient, Amazon Web Services, and more. These employers provide a range of benefits and salaries that can meet the financial needs of many job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Empire National with the highest at $287,950 and Amazon Web Services with the lowest at $180,215.
  1. Empire National
    Average Salary: $287,950
    Empire National offers various financial services. They value innovation and teamwork. They provide great benefits and career growth.


  2. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $262,277
    Palo Alto Networks leads in cybersecurity. They focus on protecting information and data. Their work culture is dynamic and engaging.


  3. SAP
    Average Salary: $240,055
    SAP provides enterprise software solutions. They support businesses in many sectors. Employees enjoy a supportive work environment.


  4. Selby Jennings
    Average Salary: $215,562
    Selby Jennings is a top executive search firm. They help companies find top talent. The company has a strong reputation in the industry.


  5. Okta
    Average Salary: $198,880
    Okta specializes in identity management. Their services ensure secure access to systems. They offer a collaborative and innovative workplace.


  6. Equinix
    Average Salary: $188,733
    Equinix provides data center and interconnection services. They help companies connect their digital infrastructure. The company values diversity and inclusion.


  7. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $187,648
    ServiceNow offers cloud-based software for enterprise workflow automation. They support businesses in many areas. Their employees enjoy a positive work culture.


  8. EY
    Average Salary: $185,485
    EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services. They focus on quality and innovation. The company offers many growth opportunities.


  9. Publicis Sapient
    Average Salary: $181,079
    Publicis Sapient is a digital transformation company. They help businesses grow through technology. Their work environment is creative and forward-thinking.


  10. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $180,215
    Amazon Web Services provides cloud computing services. They support businesses of all sizes. AWS offers a dynamic and innovative workplace.

How does the cost of living in Chicago, IL compare to the national average?

Chicago, IL, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, with the total cost of living index at 115. This means living in Chicago is 15% more expensive than the average American city. Housing, in particular, stands out with a cost index of 135, representing a 35% increase over the nationwide average. Although utilities are slightly below average at 95, expenses in groceries, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items all add up, showing Chicago's overall higher living costs.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chicago, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 35% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 5% higher, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Chicago, IL, shows notable variances when compared to the nationwide average, which is indexed at 100. Housing costs are particularly high, with an index of 135, meaning they are 35% higher than the average. This significant increase could impact those looking for affordable living options in the city.


Utilities in Chicago are relatively more affordable, with an index of 95, meaning they are 5% lower than the national average. This could provide some relief to residents, though the elevated costs in other areas, such as housing and groceries, remain a concern. Groceries also show an above-average index of 110, indicating prices are 10% higher than the national average. This trend, along with other elevated indices, highlights the importance of careful financial planning for individuals considering a move to Chicago.

There are 13,785 job openings in Chicago, IL, today!

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City
Overview
Chicago, IL
13,785 Job Openings