Salaries in Chicago, IL

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?

The average salary in Chicago, IL is $76,845 per year.

Chicago, IL offers a range of salary opportunities for job seekers. The average salary in the city is around $76,845. This figure varies across different industries and roles. For instance, those in the finance sector can expect higher salaries compared to those in retail or hospitality.


Here are some average salary figures for various positions in Chicago, IL:

  • Entry-level positions: $32,000
  • Mid-level positions: $65,773
  • Senior-level positions: $150,205
  • Executive-level positions: $200,864
These figures provide a good starting point for job seekers to understand the potential earnings in different roles.

View jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

Chicago offers many top-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Some of the highest-paying positions include psychiatrists, general dentists, and primary care physicians. These roles require specialized education and training, but they offer excellent compensation. Other well-paying jobs in Chicago include general counsel, chief operating officers, and enterprise architects. These positions demand strong leadership and technical skills. They also provide competitive salaries and benefits. Job seekers with the right qualifications can find rewarding opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $304,833 and Primary Care Physician with the lowest at $213,757.
  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $304,833
    This role involves diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. Psychiatrists work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They collaborate with psychologists and other healthcare professionals. This job requires a strong understanding of mental health issues and treatments.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $248,279
    Dentists focus on oral health and hygiene. They perform exams, cleanings, and treatments. Dentists work in private practices, clinics, and hospitals. They use advanced tools and technology to ensure patient care. This role requires a deep understanding of dental procedures and patient care.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $213,757
    Primary care physicians provide general medical care. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They work in clinics, hospitals, and private practices. They coordinate with specialists for complex cases. This role requires strong diagnostic skills and patient communication.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Chicago, IL

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 excellent opportunities for those seeking well-paying work without a degree. Terminal operators manage goods and materials in busy ports, earning a good salary. Canvassers promote products or services directly to customers, often with generous commissions. High reach operators use specialized equipment to reach high places, ensuring safety and efficiency. These jobs offer competitive pay and the chance to gain valuable experience.
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 $44,160.
  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: $66,398
    Promote products or services door-to-door. Engage with customers and gather feedback. Companies like Nielsen and SurveyMonkey hire for these positions.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. High Reach Operator
    Average Salary: $63,236
    Use high-reach vehicles to lift and move materials. Work in construction and logistics. Companies like Brink's and Penske Truck Leasing offer these jobs.
    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 hire for these roles.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $57,846
    Oversee daily operations, manage staff, and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in busy dining environments. Companies like McDonald's and Chipotle offer these positions.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $55,561
    Supervise kitchen staff, manage inventory, and ensure food quality. Work in fast-paced kitchen settings. Companies like Panera Bread and Starbucks hire for these roles.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $55,013
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Work in parks and private properties. Companies like TruGreen and Lawn Doctor offer these jobs.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $46,091
    Climb trees to trim branches and remove dead wood. Work in urban and suburban areas. Companies like Davey Tree and Tree Newal hire for these positions.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Loader
    Average Salary: $45,673
    Load and unload materials from trucks and ships. Work in warehouses and ports. Companies like Kuehne + Nagel and C.H. Robinson offer these roles.
    Find Loader jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $44,160
    Maintain lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Work in residential and commercial settings. 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 several top-paying companies to consider. Companies like Empower, Fox Freight, and Empire National lead in offering competitive salaries. These firms provide attractive compensation packages, making them desirable options for professionals seeking rewarding career opportunities. Empower, Fox Freight, and Empire National stand out for their high salaries. These companies invest in their employees, offering benefits and pay that reflect their value. Job seekers can find excellent career prospects and financial stability with these leading employers in Chicago.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Empower formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy with the highest at $363,601 and EY with the lowest at $178,399.
  1. Empower formerly Niagara Cerebral Palsy
    Average Salary: $363,601
    Empower, formerly known as Niagara Cerebral Palsy, is a leading nonprofit organization. They focus on helping people with disabilities. They offer many services and support to improve lives.


  2. Fox Freight, Inc.
    Average Salary: $361,537
    Fox Freight, Inc. is a major player in the logistics and freight industry. They provide transportation and supply chain solutions. Their services are vital for businesses across many sectors.


  3. Empire National
    Average Salary: $267,671
    Empire National is a well-known insurance company. They offer a range of insurance products. Their services help protect individuals and businesses from financial loss.


  4. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $261,277
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity leader. They provide advanced security solutions. Their products help protect organizations from cyber threats.


  5. Leader Freight Systems
    Average Salary: $237,447
    Leader Freight Systems is a logistics company. They specialize in freight and transportation services. They help businesses move goods efficiently.


  6. Chicago Legal Search
    Average Salary: $226,888
    Chicago Legal Search is a legal staffing firm. They connect law firms with talented legal professionals. Their services are essential for the legal industry.


  7. SAP
    Average Salary: $216,153
    SAP is a global software company. They offer enterprise software solutions. Their products help businesses manage operations and data effectively.


  8. Selby Jennings
    Average Salary: $200,827
    Selby Jennings is a financial services firm. They provide investment banking and wealth management services. Their expertise helps clients grow and manage their wealth.


  9. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $184,396
    ServiceNow is an IT service management company. They offer cloud-based software solutions. Their services help businesses manage their IT operations efficiently.


  10. EY
    Average Salary: $178,399
    EY, formerly known as Ernst & Young, is a global professional services firm. They offer audit, tax, consulting, and advisory services. Their expertise helps businesses thrive.

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, with a cost of living index of 110. This means that living expenses in Chicago are 10% higher than the national average. Housing stands out as the most significant factor, with an index of 132, indicating it is 32% more expensive than the average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chicago, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 32% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 3% lower, transportation 10% higher, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 8% higher.

The cost of living in Chicago, IL, shows a mixed picture when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Chicago stand at 132, which means they are 32% higher than the national average. This increase reflects the higher demand for housing in a major urban center like Chicago. Job seekers should be aware that housing expenses will likely be a significant part of their budget.


Other costs also vary. Groceries in Chicago are priced at 105, which is 5% above the average. Utilities, however, are slightly below the average at 97, representing a 3% decrease. Transportation costs are at 110, which is 10% higher than the national average. Healthcare costs are close to the average at 102, which is a 2% increase. Miscellaneous expenses are at 108, which is 8% higher than the average. These figures show that while some areas are more expensive, others are relatively close to the national average.

There are 22,145 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
22,145 Job Openings