What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?
Chicago, IL, offers a diverse range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $87,588. This figure reflects the city's robust job market across various sectors. Many professionals find rewarding positions with attractive compensation packages.
Here are some key industries and their average salaries:
- Information technology: $124,350
- Healthcare: $88,050
- Finance: $106,200
- Education: $51,750
- Manufacturing: $69,900
What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

-
Staff Physician
Average Salary: $386,865
This role involves patient care and treatment. Physicians work in hospitals and clinics. Notable places include Rush University Medical Center and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. They collaborate with other healthcare providers.
Find Staff Physician jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $316,000
Specializing in mental health, psychiatrists diagnose and treat conditions. They work in private practices, hospitals, and community health centers. Working with organizations like the University of Chicago Medicine. They offer therapy and medication management.
Find Psychiatrist jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Physician
Average Salary: $266,139
Physicians are the backbone of medical care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Many work in busy urban hospitals. Others run private practices. The role demands strong communication skills and a dedication to patient care.
Find Physician jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $254,645
These doctors provide general healthcare services. They see patients for routine checkups and minor health issues. They work in private clinics and large healthcare systems. A key part of preventive care, they help manage chronic diseases.
Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $254,559
These professionals administer anesthesia to patients. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. They must have a deep understanding of patient care. They collaborate closely with surgeons and anesthesiologists.
Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in Chicago, IL
-
General Dentist
Average Salary: $249,687
Dentists provide oral care services. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They often run private practices. Some work in dental clinics. They educate patients on oral hygiene and disease prevention.
Find General Dentist jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Technical Programs Manager
Average Salary: $230,879
This role involves overseeing technical projects. Managers ensure projects meet goals on time and budget. They work in tech firms and financial institutions. They need strong leadership and communication skills.
Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Chief Operating Officer
Average Salary: $220,761
A top executive role focusing on operations. They oversee daily business activities. They work in various industries, including healthcare and finance. They need to optimize efficiency and profitability.
Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Technical Director
Average Salary: $213,817
These professionals manage technical teams. They ensure projects run smoothly. They work in tech firms and large corporations. They need strong problem-solving skills and a solid understanding of technology.
Find Technical Director jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Internal Medicine Physician
Average Salary: $211,196
These doctors specialize in adult care. They diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues. They work in hospitals and private practices. They focus on preventive care and managing chronic conditions.
Find Internal Medicine Physician jobs in Chicago, IL
What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL without a degree?

-
Equipment Manager
Average Salary: $101,649
This role involves overseeing and maintaining a fleet of equipment. Managers ensure that tools and machinery are in top condition. Companies like Caterpillar and John Deere often need skilled equipment managers.
Find Equipment Manager jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Dry Cleaner
Average Salary: $73,670
Dry cleaners handle the cleaning and maintenance of garments. They work in busy shops, managing the cleaning process and ensuring quality. Local shops and chains like Dry Bar and Mr. Clean thrive here.
Find Dry Cleaner jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Terminal Operator
Average Salary: $62,196
Terminal operators manage freight and ensure smooth transportation. They coordinate shipments and manage logistics for businesses. Companies like Penske and Ryder rely on skilled operators.
Find Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Canvasser
Average Salary: $61,935
Canvassers collect data and opinions by visiting homes or businesses. They ask questions and gather information for various research projects. Local companies often need canvassers for marketing research.
Find Canvasser jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $55,917
These technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They ensure that landscapes and gardens receive proper water. Local landscaping firms and parks departments need skilled technicians.
Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $55,284
Concrete laborers mix and pour concrete for construction projects. They work with construction crews to ensure quality and safety. Many construction companies, such as Lendlease and Turner Construction, need laborers.
Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $53,021
Finishers smooth and level concrete surfaces. They use various tools to ensure the concrete is ready for the next steps. Construction firms like Walsh Construction and C.D. Smith need skilled finishers.
Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Arborist Climber
Average Salary: $49,238
Arborist climbers trim and prune tree branches. They work at heights to maintain trees safely. Local arborists and landscaping companies, such as Davey Tree, need climbers.
Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chicago, IL
-
To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $48,947
To Go specialists prepare and package orders for customers. They work in fast-paced environments, ensuring orders are accurate and timely. Local restaurants and cafes, such as Giordano's, need these specialists.
Find To Go Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL
-
Banquet Houseperson
Average Salary: $47,942
Banquet housepersons set up and clean up banquet areas. They prepare tables and chairs for events. Event venues and catering companies, like Aramark and Sodexo, need reliable housepersons.
Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Chicago, IL
Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

-
Empire National
Average Salary: $280,868
Empire National is a leading financial services company that offers a range of investment and insurance products.
-
Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $262,000
Palo Alto Networks is a global leader in cybersecurity, providing advanced protection against threats.
-
Okta
Average Salary: $200,505
Okta is a pioneering identity management company, helping organizations secure their digital identities.
-
Equinix
Average Salary: $190,113
Equinix is a global data center company, offering connectivity solutions for businesses worldwide.
-
ServiceNow
Average Salary: $187,661
ServiceNow offers cloud-based software to help businesses manage digital workflows for enterprise operations.
-
Mastercard
Average Salary: $184,261
Mastercard is a global payments technology leader that connects consumers, businesses, governments, and financial institutions.
-
Expedia Group Media Solutions
Average Salary: $183,276
Expedia Group Media Solutions provides digital advertising services to help businesses reach their customers online.
-
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Average Salary: $181,112
AWS is a subsidiary of Amazon that offers a wide range of cloud computing services to companies worldwide.
-
LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $178,996
LifeStance Health is a national provider of mental healthcare services, offering comprehensive care to patients.
-
IMC Financial Markets
Average Salary: $178,407
IMC Financial Markets is a leading provider of futures and options brokerage services.
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 across several key areas. Housing costs in Chicago are notably 20% above the national average, with an index of 120. This means housing expenses in Chicago are significantly higher than the typical American city. Groceries also see a rise, though less pronounced, with a cost of living index of 105. This indicates that grocery prices in Chicago are about 5% higher than the average.
Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also trend slightly above or near the national average. Utilities in Chicago have an index of 98, which is just 2% below the average, suggesting minimal difference in these costs. Transportation shows a 12% increase with an index of 112, showing higher costs for getting around. Healthcare costs are 5% below the average with an index of 95. Miscellaneous costs, including items like clothing and entertainment, stand at 102, which is 2% above average. Together, these factors illustrate the overall cost of living in Chicago, which remains somewhat higher than the national average.



