What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?
Chicago, IL offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the city stands at approximately $85,829. This means many jobs provide a solid income for living comfortably.
Here are some common salary ranges in different industries:
- Business and Finance: $51,273 to $232,000
- Healthcare: $33,200 to $195,855
- Education: $33,200 to $123,564
- Information Technology: $69,345 to $232,000
- Manufacturing: $33,200 to $195,855
- Retail: $33,200 to $159,709
What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

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Staff Physician
Average Salary: $376,227
Provide medical care in a hospital or clinic setting. Work with a team of healthcare professionals. Serve a diverse patient population with various medical needs.
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Psychiatrist
Average Salary: $310,700
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Offer therapy and prescribe medication. Work in hospitals, private practices, or clinics.
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Owner Operator
Average Salary: $302,335
Run a business independently. Manage operations and make key decisions. Examples include trucking or a small retail business.
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Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Average Salary: $259,551
Provide anesthesia care to patients. Work with surgeons and anesthesiologists. Ensure patients are safe and comfortable during surgeries.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $250,424
Provide dental care to patients. Perform cleanings, fillings, and other treatments. Operate in private practices or clinics.
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Physician
Average Salary: $249,157
Diagnose and treat illnesses. Conduct physical exams and interpret test results. Work in various healthcare settings.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $242,773
Provide general medical care to patients. Manage chronic conditions and preventive care. Build long-term relationships with patients.
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Radiologist
Average Salary: $215,642
Interpret medical images to diagnose conditions. Work with other healthcare providers. Use technology to provide accurate readings.
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Chief Operating Officer
Average Salary: $201,723
Oversee daily operations of a company. Implement policies and strategies. Ensure efficient and effective business operations.
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Dispatcher
Average Salary: $201,166
Coordinate resources and respond to emergencies. Communicate with field personnel. Ensure timely and effective service delivery.
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What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL without a degree?

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Dry Cleaner
Average Salary: $96,517
This job involves washing and pressing clothes. Employees work in various settings like dry cleaning stores. Known employers include local businesses and chains.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $63,437
This role requires going door-to-door to promote products or services. It is ideal for those who enjoy interacting with people. Many businesses, including tech firms and advertising agencies, hire canvassers.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $62,473
Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They schedule staff, handle finances, and ensure customer satisfaction. Local eateries and chain restaurants provide many opportunities.
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Terminal Operator
Average Salary: $61,776
Terminal operators work at shipping and receiving points. They monitor shipments and ensure goods move efficiently. Major logistics companies and ports offer these positions.
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Concrete Laborer
Average Salary: $60,540
These workers assist in pouring and finishing concrete. They work under construction supervisors. Construction sites across the city need laborers for various projects.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $60,427
This position focuses on preparing and packaging food for takeout. Employees work in fast-paced settings like cafes and restaurants. They handle orders and ensure quick service.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $58,357
Irrigation technicians install and maintain watering systems. They work for landscaping companies and municipal parks. They ensure plants receive the right amount of water.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $51,368
Kitchen managers oversee kitchen staff and operations. They ensure smooth workflow and food safety. They work in restaurants and cater to a variety of dining experiences.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $47,007
Concrete finishers spread and smooth concrete. They work on construction sites and follow blueprints. This job is essential for building roads, sidewalks, and structures.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $45,865
These technicians maintain lawns and gardens. They mow, prune, and apply fertilizers. Landscaping companies and residential clients hire them for seasonal work.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

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Empire National
Average Salary: $287,748
Empire National offers a wide range of insurance solutions. They focus on customer service and have a strong reputation in the industry.
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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $261,883
Palo Alto Networks is a leader in cybersecurity. They provide solutions to protect organizations from online threats.
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SAP
Average Salary: $238,615
SAP is a global leader in enterprise software. They offer solutions that help businesses run smoothly and efficiently.
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Leader Freight Systems
Average Salary: $226,297
Leader Freight Systems provides logistics and freight services. They are known for their reliable transportation solutions.
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Selby Jennings
Average Salary: $214,564
Selby Jennings is a top recruiting firm. They specialize in placing professionals in various industries.
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Okta
Average Salary: $191,167
Okta provides identity and access management solutions. They help organizations protect their data and streamline user access.
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ServiceNow
Average Salary: $186,445
ServiceNow offers cloud-based software to manage digital workflows. They help companies automate processes and improve efficiency.
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EY
Average Salary: $182,917
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, and consulting services. They help businesses grow and succeed.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $179,184
Amazon Web Services provides cloud computing solutions. They offer a wide range of tools to support businesses.
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Google
Average Salary: $177,325
Google is a technology giant known for its search engine and many other services. They are a leader in innovation.
How does the cost of living in Chicago, IL compare to the national average?

Chicago, IL, stands out with a cost of living index that is notably higher than the nationwide average of 100. Specifically, housing costs in Chicago are 31% higher, making this a significant factor for job seekers considering a move. A housing index of 131 means that expenses for homes or rentals in Chicago are more than one-third above the average for the rest of the country.
In addition to housing, groceries in Chicago also see a rise, with an index of 108, which is 8% higher than the nationwide average. This indicates that food costs are slightly above average. Other areas such as utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are relatively close to the national average or slightly below, with indices of 97, 108, 104, and 105, respectively. This means that while housing and groceries present higher expenses, other living costs in Chicago do not deviate significantly from the national average.



