Salaries in Chicago, IL

Updated on May 09, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?

The average salary in Chicago, IL is $80,398 per year.

Chicago, IL, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in the city is around $80,398. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and role.


Here are some average salaries for different sectors in Chicago:

  • Information Technology: $115,182
  • Finance: $98,545
  • Healthcare: $81,909
  • Education: $65,273
  • Retail: $48,636
These figures show the potential earnings in different fields. Job seekers can use this data to explore opportunities that match their skills and career goals.

View jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

Chicago offers many top-paying jobs across various industries. Among these, roles like General Dentist, Primary Care Physician, and Physician lead the way with high salaries. These positions reflect the city's strong demand for skilled professionals in healthcare. Other high-paying jobs include roles like General Counsel, Director of Enterprise Strategy, and Chief Operating Officer. These positions show the importance of legal, strategic, and operational expertise in the business world. Job seekers in Chicago can find rewarding opportunities with competitive pay in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $251,152 and Technical Architect with the lowest at $158,065.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $251,152
    This role involves diagnosing and treating oral health issues. Dentists work in clinics and hospitals. They use advanced technology to provide care. Many dentists in Chicago work for both private practices and larger healthcare organizations.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $211,923
    Primary care physicians offer general medical care. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. In Chicago, they often work for large hospitals and health systems. These doctors build long-term relationships with their patients.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Physician
    Average Salary: $184,411
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in various specialties. In Chicago, many physicians are affiliated with top-tier hospitals. They often conduct research and teach medical students. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and compassion.
    Find Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $174,812
    General Counsel provides legal advice to companies. They handle legal issues and ensure compliance. In Chicago, General Counsel often work for large corporations. They manage legal teams and represent the company in court. This role requires excellent communication and negotiation skills.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Dispatcher
    Average Salary: $167,541
    Dispatchers coordinate emergency services. They handle calls and direct resources. In Chicago, dispatchers work for police and fire departments. They must remain calm under pressure. This role is crucial for public safety and requires quick thinking.
    Find Dispatcher jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Director of Enterprise Strategy
    Average Salary: $164,669
    This role involves developing long-term business strategies. Directors work with executives to align goals. In Chicago, they often work for tech companies and financial institutions. They analyze market trends and create strategic plans. This role requires strong analytical and leadership skills.
    Find Director of Enterprise Strategy jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $162,185
    Chief Operating Officers oversee daily operations. They ensure efficiency and effectiveness. In Chicago, they often work for large corporations. They manage teams and implement strategies. This role requires strong leadership and organizational skills.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $160,167
    Sales representatives promote solar energy solutions. They work with businesses and homeowners. In Chicago, they often sell to companies looking to reduce energy costs. They need strong communication skills and knowledge of solar technology. This role offers good growth opportunities.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Enterprise Architect
    Average Salary: $158,820
    Enterprise Architects design IT systems. They ensure systems meet business needs. In Chicago, they often work for large tech companies. They collaborate with developers and business leaders. This role requires strong technical and problem-solving skills.
    Find Enterprise Architect jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Technical Architect
    Average Salary: $158,065
    Technical Architects design software solutions. They ensure systems are scalable and secure. In Chicago, they often work for tech firms. They collaborate with engineers and project managers. This role requires strong technical skills and attention to detail.
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What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL without a degree?

Chicago offers many high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Terminal operators, canvassers, and high reach operators lead the list with strong earnings. These roles provide a chance to earn a good salary while gaining valuable experience. Terminal operators manage goods at shipping ports, earning around $73,645 a year. Canvassers promote products or services, making about $64,885 annually. High reach operators use machinery to lift and move heavy items, with an average salary of $63,236. These jobs offer good pay and the opportunity to develop important skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL without a degree, highlighting Terminal Operator with the highest at $73,645 and Landscaper with the lowest at $42,627.
  1. Terminal Operator
    Average Salary: $73,645
    Operate cranes and other equipment to move goods. Work in busy ports and warehouses. Companies like XPO Logistics and C.H. Robinson offer these roles.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $64,885
    Promote products and services by visiting businesses and homes. Gather information and feedback. Companies like Nielsen and SurveyMonkey offer these positions.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. High Reach Operator
    Average Salary: $63,236
    Use high-reach vehicles to access elevated areas. Perform maintenance and repairs. Companies like Comcast and Verizon hire for these roles.
    Find High Reach Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $60,565
    Mix, pour, and finish concrete. Work on construction sites. Companies like Walsh Construction and DPR Construction offer these jobs.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $57,951
    Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Companies like McDonald's and Chipotle offer these roles.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $55,365
    Supervise kitchen staff and ensure food quality. Manage inventory and budgets. Companies like Panera Bread and Starbucks offer these positions.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $54,383
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Ensure proper water usage. Companies like TruGreen and Lawn Doctor hire for these roles.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $46,164
    Climb trees to trim branches and remove dead wood. Ensure tree health and safety. Companies like Davey Tree and Arbor Care offer these jobs.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Loader
    Average Salary: $45,977
    Load and unload materials from trucks and ships. Use forklifts and other equipment. Companies like UPS and FedEx offer these roles.
    Find Loader jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $42,627
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs. Companies like TruGreen and Lawn Doctor hire for these positions.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Chicago, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

Job seekers in Chicago, IL, have a variety of top-paying companies to consider. Fox Freight, Inc. leads the way with an average salary of $361,537. Empire National and Palo Alto Networks follow closely, offering average salaries of $269,955 and $262,693, respectively. These companies offer competitive compensation packages, making them attractive options for professionals seeking higher earnings. Other notable companies include Leader Freight Systems, Chicago Legal Search, and SAP, all of which provide average salaries above $200,000. Selby Jennings, ServiceNow, EY, and Expedia Group also offer strong compensation, with average salaries ranging from $170,954 to $198,326. These companies provide excellent opportunities for job seekers looking to advance their careers while earning a good income.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Fox Freight, Inc. with the highest at $361,537 and Expedia Group with the lowest at $170,954.
  1. Fox Freight, Inc.
    Average Salary: $361,537
    Fox Freight, Inc. is a leading logistics company. They focus on providing top-notch freight services. Their team works hard to ensure timely and efficient deliveries.


  2. Empire National
    Average Salary: $269,955
    Empire National is a well-known insurance company. They offer a variety of insurance products. Their employees are dedicated to helping clients find the best coverage.


  3. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $262,693
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity firm. They develop software to protect businesses from cyber threats. Their innovative solutions are highly valued in the industry.


  4. Leader Freight Systems
    Average Salary: $237,447
    Leader Freight Systems is a logistics company. They specialize in freight management and transportation. Their team ensures smooth and efficient delivery services.


  5. Chicago Legal Search
    Average Salary: $217,260
    Chicago Legal Search is a legal staffing firm. They connect law firms with top legal talent. Their focus is on providing quality legal professionals to their clients.


  6. SAP
    Average Salary: $210,864
    SAP is a global software company. They offer enterprise software solutions. Their products help businesses manage their operations more efficiently.


  7. Selby Jennings
    Average Salary: $198,326
    Selby Jennings is a financial services firm. They offer investment banking and wealth management services. Their clients trust them for their financial expertise.


  8. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $181,956
    ServiceNow is an IT service management company. They provide cloud-based software solutions. Their tools help businesses manage their IT services effectively.


  9. EY
    Average Salary: $175,980
    EY is a global professional services firm. They offer audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services. Their team helps businesses navigate complex challenges.


  10. Expedia Group
    Average Salary: $170,954
    Expedia Group is a travel company. They offer a range of travel services, including booking flights and hotels. Their goal is to make travel planning easy and convenient.

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

Chicago, IL, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Chicago stands at 108, which is 8% above the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by higher housing costs, which are 18% above the average. Other categories like groceries and miscellaneous expenses also contribute to this elevated index, making Chicago a more expensive place to live overall.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chicago, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 18% higher, groceries 6% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 2% higher, healthcare 6% lower, miscellaneous 8% higher.

The cost of living in Chicago, Illinois, shows some variations compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Chicago stand at 118, indicating that residents pay 18% more than the national average. This higher housing index reflects the demand and limited supply in the city, making it a significant factor for those considering relocation.


Other expenses also show differences. Groceries in Chicago cost 106, which is 6% higher than the average. Utilities, however, are slightly lower at 95, meaning residents pay 5% less for these services. Transportation costs are close to the average at 102, with a modest 2% increase. Healthcare costs are 94, which is 6% below the national average, offering some relief in this category. Miscellaneous expenses are at 108, showing an 8% increase over the average. Overall, while some areas like healthcare and utilities offer savings, housing and groceries present higher costs for Chicago residents.

There are 21,045 job openings in Chicago, IL, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Chicago, IL

Discover what it's like to work in Chicago, IL. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Chicago, IL
21,045 Job Openings