City
Salary

What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?

The average salary in Chicago, IL is $84,419 per year.

Chicago offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Chicago is $84,419. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the city. Many industries contribute to this average, including finance, healthcare, and technology.


Here are some of the top-paying jobs in Chicago:

  • Software Developers: $122,773
  • Financial Managers: $140,727
  • Physicians: $158,682
  • Lawyers: $176,636
  • Airline Pilots: $194,591
  • Chief Executives: $212,545

These figures show that skilled professionals can find rewarding careers in Chicago. The city's strong economy provides ample opportunities for growth and advancement.

View jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

Chicago offers a variety of high-paying jobs across different industries. Among the top-paying roles are positions in healthcare, such as Staff Physician, Psychiatrist, and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. These roles provide competitive salaries, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in the city. Additionally, leadership and specialized roles like Chief Operating Officer and Radiologist also command high salaries. These positions require advanced skills and experience, making them attractive to job seekers looking for financial stability and career advancement. The diverse job market in Chicago ensures that professionals in various fields can find lucrative opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Staff Physician with the highest at $364,854 and General Counsel with the lowest at $190,738.
  1. Staff Physician
    Average Salary: $364,854
    This role involves diagnosing and treating patients. It requires working in hospitals and clinics. Companies like Northwestern Memorial Hospital offer many opportunities.
    Find Staff Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $309,992
    This position focuses on mental health. It involves therapy and medication management. Rush University Medical Center is a leading employer in this field.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $306,629
    This job involves running a business. It includes managing staff and operations. Companies like Yellow Cab Co. provide many opportunities.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $260,217
    This role provides anesthesia care. It requires working in surgical settings. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a top employer.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $250,137
    This position involves dental care. It includes exams, cleanings, and treatments. Many private practices and clinics offer jobs.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Physician
    Average Salary: $237,387
    This role involves patient care. It includes diagnosis and treatment. Rush University Medical Center offers many positions.
    Find Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $228,763
    This position provides general medical care. It involves routine check-ups and treatment. Many hospitals and clinics offer jobs.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Radiologist
    Average Salary: $214,622
    This role involves interpreting medical images. It requires working in hospitals and clinics. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is a leading employer.
    Find Radiologist jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $207,526
    This position involves managing operations. It requires overseeing staff and processes. Many companies offer this role.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $190,738
    This role provides legal advice. It involves managing legal issues. Many firms offer this position.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Chicago, IL

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

Chicago offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Dry cleaners in the city earn an average of $97,788 annually, making it one of the top-paying positions. Other well-paying jobs include canvassers, terminal operators, and restaurant managers, all of which offer competitive salaries. These roles provide excellent opportunities for those seeking to enter the workforce without a degree. Terminal operators, for example, earn around $61,343 annually, while restaurant managers can expect to make about $60,713 per year. These jobs not only offer good pay but also provide valuable experience and skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL without a degree, highlighting Dry Cleaner with the highest at $97,788 and Concrete Finisher with the lowest at $45,646.
  1. Dry Cleaner
    Average Salary: $97,788
    This role involves cleaning and pressing clothes. It requires attention to detail and knowledge of different fabrics. Companies like Dry Cleaners of Chicago offer opportunities.
    Find Dry Cleaner jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $63,083
    Canvassers visit homes and businesses to gather information. They need strong communication skills and the ability to work independently. Local political campaigns and market research firms hire canvassers.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Terminal Operator
    Average Salary: $61,343
    Terminal operators handle the loading and unloading of goods. They must follow safety protocols and have good physical stamina. Companies like XPO Logistics offer terminal operator positions.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $60,713
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They need strong leadership skills and experience in the food service industry. Restaurants like Potbelly Sandwich Shop and Giordano's Pizza hire managers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $60,645
    Concrete laborers mix and pour concrete. They must be physically fit and able to work in various weather conditions. Construction companies like Walsh Construction employ concrete laborers.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $58,346
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They need knowledge of plumbing and landscaping. Companies like Chicago Lawn Irrigation offer technician positions.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $52,619
    To Go specialists prepare and package food for customers. They need to work quickly and accurately. Restaurants like McDonald's and Dunkin' hire To Go specialists.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $52,497
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and ensure food quality. They need strong communication and organizational skills. Restaurants like The Gage Groups hire kitchen managers.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $45,865
    Arborist climbers trim trees and remove branches. They need to be physically fit and comfortable working at heights. Companies like Davey Tree Expert Company offer climber positions.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $45,646
    Concrete finishers smooth and finish concrete surfaces. They need to be detail-oriented and physically capable. Construction companies like Mortenson Construction hire concrete finishers.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chicago, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

Job seekers in Chicago, IL, have many great companies to choose from, especially when it comes to salary. Palo Alto Networks leads the way with an average salary of $262,080. SAP follows closely with an average salary of $235,562. These companies offer competitive pay and a chance to work with top talent. Other top-paying companies in Chicago include Leader Freight Systems, Selby Jennings, and ServiceNow. Each of these companies offers an average salary above $174,000. Companies like Okta, EY, Google, Amazon Web Services, and Expedia Group also provide attractive salaries, making them excellent choices for job seekers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Palo Alto Networks with the highest at $262,080 and Expedia Group with the lowest at $174,346.
  1. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $262,080
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity leader. They offer a range of security solutions. Their work helps protect businesses and networks from cyber threats.


  2. SAP
    Average Salary: $235,562
    SAP is a software company. They provide enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. SAP is known for its strong financial performance and innovative solutions.


  3. Leader Freight Systems
    Average Salary: $228,724
    Leader Freight Systems is a logistics company. They offer transportation and logistics services. They focus on delivering goods efficiently and reliably.


  4. Selby Jennings
    Average Salary: $212,019
    Selby Jennings is a financial services firm. They provide investment banking and wealth management services. They help clients with financial planning and investment strategies.


  5. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $186,765
    ServiceNow is an IT service management company. They offer cloud-based software solutions. Their products help businesses manage their IT operations more efficiently.


  6. Okta
    Average Salary: $186,339
    Okta is a cloud security company. They provide identity and access management solutions. Their services help businesses secure their digital assets and manage user access.


  7. EY
    Average Salary: $182,492
    EY is a global professional services firm. They offer audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services. EY is known for its strong reputation and client base.


  8. Google
    Average Salary: $177,432
    Google is a technology giant. They offer a range of internet services and products. Google is known for its innovative approach and market dominance.


  9. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $176,567
    Amazon Web Services is a cloud computing platform. They offer a wide range of cloud services. AWS is a leader in the cloud computing industry.


  10. Expedia Group
    Average Salary: $174,346
    Expedia Group is a travel company. They offer online travel services. They help people book flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements.

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. The overall cost of living index in Chicago stands at 113, which is 13% above the national average of 100. This increase is driven by higher housing costs, which are 30% above the average, and transportation costs, which are 20% higher. While groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the national average, healthcare costs in Chicago are slightly lower, at 5% below the average. This data highlights the importance of considering regional cost of living differences when planning a move or a career change.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chicago, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 30% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 20% higher, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 15% higher.

The cost of living in Chicago, IL, shows some significant differences compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Chicago stand at 130, which is 30% higher than the national average. This means that job seekers need to budget more for housing, as it is a major expense. Groceries in Chicago also cost more, with an index of 110, making them 10% pricier than the average.


Utilities in Chicago are slightly above the national average, with an index of 105. This means utilities cost 5% more than the average. Transportation costs are also higher, at 120, which is 20% more than the nationwide average. Healthcare costs, however, are lower in Chicago, with an index of 95, which means they are 5% cheaper than the average. Miscellaneous costs, like entertainment and personal care, are at 115, which is 15% higher than the average. These figures show that while some costs are lower, others are significantly higher, affecting overall living expenses.

There are 15,001 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
15,001 Job Openings