What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?
Chicago offers a diverse range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Chicago stands at $81,686. This figure reflects the city's robust economy and various industries. Many professionals find attractive compensation packages in sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology.
Job seekers in Chicago can expect salaries to vary by industry. For example, the top-paying sectors include finance, with salaries reaching up to $225,900 per year. Other high-paying fields are healthcare, technology, and legal services. These sectors provide excellent earning potential for those with the right skills and experience. The city's dynamic job market supports a wide range of career paths, making it an attractive place for job seekers.
What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

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Staff Physician
Average Salary: $356,594
This role involves diagnosing and treating patients. It requires a medical degree and a license to practice. Many hospitals and clinics offer this position.
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Owner Operator
Average Salary: $324,545
This position involves managing and running a business. It requires experience in business operations. Many companies offer this role.
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Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $307,710
This role involves treating mental health issues. It requires a medical degree and a license. Many hospitals and private practices offer this position.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $251,740
This role involves providing dental care. It requires a dental degree and a license. Many dental practices offer this position.
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Physician
Average Salary: $232,477
This role involves diagnosing and treating patients. It requires a medical degree and a license. Many hospitals and clinics offer this position.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $222,581
This role involves providing general medical care. It requires a medical degree and a license. Many clinics and hospitals offer this position.
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Chief Operating Officer
Average Salary: $185,285
This role involves overseeing daily operations. It requires experience in management. Many companies offer this position.
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Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $183,090
This role involves developing and implementing business strategies. It requires experience in strategy and management. Many companies offer this position.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $183,060
This role involves providing legal advice. It requires a law degree and a license. Many companies offer this position.
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Dispatcher
Average Salary: $173,679
This role involves coordinating and directing services. It requires experience in communication and management. Many companies offer this position.
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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 role involves cleaning and pressing clothes. It is a hands-on job that requires attention to detail. Many local businesses offer this service, making it a steady career choice.
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Terminal Operator
Average Salary: $71,527
Operators manage freight and cargo at terminals. They ensure goods are loaded and unloaded safely. This job is crucial for the city's logistics and transportation sectors.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $65,198
Canvassers gather information and promote products or services. They often work for political campaigns or local businesses. This job involves a lot of walking and talking to people.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $60,898
Laborers mix and pour concrete for construction projects. They work outdoors and need physical strength. This job is essential for building new structures in the city.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $58,728
Managers oversee daily operations in restaurants. They handle staff, orders, and customer service. This role is dynamic and requires good organizational skills.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $58,582
Technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work in parks and gardens, ensuring plants get the right amount of water. This job is ideal for those who enjoy working outdoors.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $54,278
Managers supervise kitchen staff and ensure food quality. They coordinate with chefs and servers to keep the kitchen running smoothly. This role is fast-paced and requires strong leadership skills.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $46,752
Specialists prepare and package food for takeout orders. They work in busy kitchens and need to be quick and accurate. This job is essential for the city's food delivery services.
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Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $46,024
Climbers trim and remove branches from trees. They work at heights and need to be careful and skilled. This job is important for maintaining the city's tree canopy.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $45,897
Finishers smooth and finish concrete surfaces. They use tools to shape and texture the concrete. This job is hands-on and requires attention to detail.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

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Fox Freight, Inc.
Average Salary: $370,892
Fox Freight, Inc. is a leading logistics company in Chicago. They offer top-notch services in freight and transportation. Their competitive salary reflects their commitment to employee satisfaction.
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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $261,147
Palo Alto Networks is a global cybersecurity leader. They provide innovative solutions to protect businesses. Their high salary is a testament to their industry expertise.
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Empire National
Average Salary: $255,054
Empire National is a major insurance company in Chicago. They offer a range of insurance products and services. Their competitive pay attracts top talent in the industry.
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Leader Freight Systems
Average Salary: $232,380
Leader Freight Systems is a key player in the logistics sector. They focus on providing efficient freight solutions. Their salary packages are among the best in the industry.
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SAP
Average Salary: $224,948
SAP is a global software company. They offer enterprise software solutions. Their high salary reflects their reputation for excellence in technology.
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Selby Jennings
Average Salary: $205,609
Selby Jennings is a prominent staffing and recruiting firm. They connect top talent with leading companies. Their competitive pay helps them attract the best candidates.
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Okta
Average Salary: $189,058
Okta is a cloud security company. They provide identity management solutions. Their salary is competitive, reflecting their innovative approach to security.
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ServiceNow
Average Salary: $186,163
ServiceNow is a cloud-based software company. They offer workflow automation solutions. Their salary packages are attractive to professionals in the field.
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EY
Average Salary: $181,758
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, and consulting services. They provide top-tier services to businesses. Their salary reflects their industry standing.
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Google
Average Salary: $180,066
Google is a tech giant known for its search engine and innovative products. They offer a range of services and products. Their salary is competitive, attracting top talent.
How does the cost of living in Chicago, IL compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Chicago, IL, shows a mixed picture 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. This higher housing index reflects the demand for living spaces in a bustling city like Chicago.
Transportation costs in Chicago also exceed the national average, with an index of 110. This means that commuting and other transportation-related expenses are 10% higher than the average American city. Groceries in Chicago have a cost of living index of 105, which is 5% above the national average. This slight increase suggests that while groceries are affordable, they are not as cheap as in other parts of the country. Utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs in Chicago are close to the national average, with indices of 95, 95, and 100, respectively. This balance helps to offset the higher costs in housing and transportation.