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What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?

The average salary in Chicago, IL is $85,979 per year.

Job seekers in Chicago, IL, can expect a variety of salaries across different occupations. The city offers a range of opportunities with competitive pay. The average yearly salary stands at $85,979, providing a solid foundation for many professionals.

Here are some common salary ranges in Chicago:

  • Business and Financial: $159,105
  • Computer and Mathematical: $141,118
  • Architecture and Engineering: $123,132
  • Life, Physical, and Social Science: $105,145
  • Community and Social Service: $87,159
  • Educational Services: $69,173
  • Healthcare: $51,186
  • Sales and Related: $33,200
Prospective employees can find attractive positions that match their skills and experience.

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What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

Chicago offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities across different sectors. For those in the medical field, roles like Staff Physician and Psychiatrist lead the way with average salaries well above $300,000. Non-medical roles such as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel also offer significant compensation, with salaries reaching up to $215,000. Job seekers in Chicago can find promising career paths that offer not only competitive salaries but also the chance to contribute to a dynamic and diverse job market. Roles like Owner Operator and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist provide additional opportunities for top earners, with average salaries surpassing $250,000. These positions highlight the city's demand for skilled professionals in both healthcare and business management.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Staff Physician with the highest at $376,489 and General Counsel with the lowest at $197,529.
  1. Staff Physician
    Average Salary: $376,489
    A Staff Physician provides medical care in a variety of settings, from hospitals to private practices. They diagnose illnesses and create treatment plans. Top healthcare institutions in the city seek qualified individuals.
    Find Staff Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $310,700
    Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, treating emotional and behavioral disorders. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, helping individuals manage their conditions. Leading mental health centers in the city often have opportunities.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $300,936
    An Owner Operator runs their own transportation business, managing fleets and ensuring timely deliveries. They need to be skilled in logistics and business management. Many companies in the city value such expertise.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
    Average Salary: $261,802
    A CRNA administers anesthesia and cares for patients before, during, and after surgery. They work in hospitals and surgical centers. These professionals are in demand in the city’s top medical facilities.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $252,873
    A General Dentist provides routine oral care, diagnosing and treating patients’ dental issues. They run their own practices or work in dental clinics. Patients in the city benefit from their expertise and services.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Physician
    Average Salary: $252,673
    A Physician diagnoses and treats a variety of medical conditions. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Renowned healthcare institutions in the city often seek skilled physicians.
    Find Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $243,434
    A Primary Care Physician offers routine medical care and manages chronic conditions. They serve as the first point of contact for patients. Many healthcare providers in the city value their comprehensive care approach.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Radiologist
    Average Salary: $214,808
    A Radiologist interprets medical images to diagnose conditions. They work in hospitals and diagnostic labs. Top facilities in the city require their expertise to ensure accurate diagnoses.
    Find Radiologist jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $204,447
    A COO oversees daily operations and implements strategies to achieve company goals. They manage teams and resources effectively. Leading companies in the city seek experienced COOs for their leadership skills.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $197,529
    A General Counsel provides legal advice and represents the company in legal matters. They work in-house for corporations. Firms in the city often look for experienced legal professionals to guide them through complex issues.
    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. Among these, the dry cleaning industry stands out with an average salary of over $96,000. Other well-paying jobs include canvassers and terminal operators, both offering salaries above $62,000 annually. These roles provide excellent opportunities for those seeking to enter the workforce with competitive earnings.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL without a degree, highlighting Dry Cleaner with the highest at $96,517 and Arborist Climber with the lowest at $45,833.
  1. Dry Cleaner
    Average Salary: $96,517
    This work involves preparing clothing for cleaning. It involves pressing and folding the clothes. Workers use washing machines, dryers, and irons. Many businesses offer this service.
    Find Dry Cleaner jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $65,584
    They gather information by visiting homes or businesses. They distribute flyers or ask questions. It is a great job for those who enjoy talking to people. Many political campaigns need canvassers.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $64,539
    In a fast-paced restaurant setting, this role involves preparing orders. It is important to pack items correctly. Accuracy and speed are key. Positions are available at popular restaurants.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $63,061
    This role involves overseeing daily operations. Managers hire staff and handle customer service. They must maintain a clean and welcoming environment. Many local restaurants look for experienced managers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Terminal Operator
    Average Salary: $62,852
    This job involves overseeing large vehicles. Operators manage the loading and unloading of goods. It requires attention to detail and coordination. It is a steady job with good benefits.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $59,540
    They prepare the site for new concrete work. They mix concrete and spread it with tools. It is physically demanding but rewarding. Many construction sites need laborers.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $58,357
    They install and maintain irrigation systems. It involves checking pipes and making repairs. It is a good job for those who enjoy working outdoors. Many landscaping companies offer this position.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $53,658
    They oversee kitchen staff and operations. Managers ensure food safety and quality. They handle scheduling and inventory. Many restaurants and cafes look for experienced kitchen managers.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $47,825
    This job involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. They use tools to shape and level concrete. It is a hands-on job requiring attention to detail. Many construction projects need finishers.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $45,833
    They work in trees to prune, trim, and remove branches. It requires physical strength and safety training. They often work for tree care companies. It is a job that combines physical work with nature.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chicago, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

Chicago is a thriving hub for some of the best-paying companies in the nation. Empire National leads the way with an average salary of $289,233, making it the top employer in the city. Other notable high-paying companies include Palo Alto Networks and SAP, offering average salaries above $200,000. These companies provide attractive compensation packages that reflect Chicago's competitive job market. For instance, Selby Jennings and Okta offer average salaries over $200,000, while companies like Leader Freight Systems and Amazon Web Services also provide lucrative opportunities. Job seekers in Chicago have many options to explore for well-paying positions.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Empire National with the highest at $289,233 and Google with the lowest at $177,717.
  1. Empire National
    Average Salary: $289,233
    Empire National is a leading insurance company offering various insurance services. They focus on innovative solutions for clients, making them a top employer in Chicago.


  2. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $261,795
    Palo Alto Networks provides cybersecurity solutions to protect businesses. They are well-known for their advanced technology and commitment to security, making them a great place to work.


  3. SAP
    Average Salary: $238,905
    SAP is a global software company that offers enterprise software solutions. They focus on helping businesses run simple and efficient, attracting many talented professionals.


  4. Leader Freight Systems
    Average Salary: $220,067
    Leader Freight Systems is a leader in freight services. They offer reliable and efficient transportation solutions, making them a valuable company in the logistics industry.


  5. Selby Jennings
    Average Salary: $213,245
    Selby Jennings is a renowned real estate investment firm. They focus on providing excellent service and opportunities for their clients and employees, creating a positive work environment.


  6. Okta
    Average Salary: $192,425
    Okta specializes in identity and access management. They help businesses secure their data and systems, making them a key player in the tech industry.


  7. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $185,968
    ServiceNow offers enterprise cloud solutions to help businesses run smoothly. They focus on improving efficiency and customer service, attracting many skilled professionals.


  8. EY
    Average Salary: $183,416
    EY is a global leader in audit, accounting, consulting, and tax services. They help businesses grow and succeed, providing a dynamic work environment for their employees.


  9. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $179,840
    AWS offers cloud computing services to businesses worldwide. They focus on innovation and reliability, making them a top choice for tech professionals.


  10. Google
    Average Salary: $177,717
    Google is a global technology company known for its search engine and various other services. They focus on innovation and providing great products, attracting top talent.

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. Specifically, the overall cost of living index in Chicago is 109, reflecting a 9% increase over the national average of 100. Housing costs in Chicago are particularly notable, with an index of 120, indicating a 20% rise above the national average. Factors such as groceries, transportation, and healthcare also show slight increases, with indexes of 103, 112, and 105 respectively. This data shows that job seekers moving to Chicago should expect to budget more for daily expenses compared to the average American city.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chicago, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 20% higher, groceries 3% higher, utilities 2% lower, transportation 12% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 10% higher.

Chicago, IL, stands out with a cost of living index that exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs in Chicago are notably higher, standing at 120 on the index, which is 20% above the national average. This suggests that residents in Chicago may need to allocate a larger portion of their budget to housing compared to the average American.


Other areas also show elevated costs. Transportation, for instance, has a cost of living index of 112, which is 12% higher than the national average of 100. Groceries, utilities, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses each also surpass the nationwide average, with indices of 103, 98, 105, and 110, respectively. These figures indicate that while Chicago offers many opportunities, it also demands a higher budget to cover living expenses across various sectors. Job seekers must consider these factors when evaluating potential relocation to Chicago.

There are 16,804 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
16,804 Job Openings