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Salary

What is the average salary in Chicago, IL?

The average salary in Chicago, IL is $85,829 per year.

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

View jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best paying jobs in Chicago, IL?

Job seekers in Chicago, IL, can find well-paying opportunities in healthcare and executive roles. Physicians, including staff physicians and radiologists, top the list with attractive salaries. Business leaders, such as Chief Operating Officers, also enjoy high earnings. The healthcare sector offers numerous high-paying jobs. Positions like certified registered nurse anesthetist and general dentist provide excellent income. Executives and independent operators in various fields also earn competitive wages.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Staff Physician with the highest at $376,227 and Dispatcher with the lowest at $201,166.
  1. 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.
    Find Staff Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $310,700
    Diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Offer therapy and prescribe medication. Work in hospitals, private practices, or clinics.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $302,335
    Run a business independently. Manage operations and make key decisions. Examples include trucking or a small retail business.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. 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.
    Find Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $250,424
    Provide dental care to patients. Perform cleanings, fillings, and other treatments. Operate in private practices or clinics.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. Physician
    Average Salary: $249,157
    Diagnose and treat illnesses. Conduct physical exams and interpret test results. Work in various healthcare settings.
    Find Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. 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.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. Radiologist
    Average Salary: $215,642
    Interpret medical images to diagnose conditions. Work with other healthcare providers. Use technology to provide accurate readings.
    Find Radiologist jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $201,723
    Oversee daily operations of a company. Implement policies and strategies. Ensure efficient and effective business operations.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. Dispatcher
    Average Salary: $201,166
    Coordinate resources and respond to emergencies. Communicate with field personnel. Ensure timely and effective service delivery.
    Find Dispatcher jobs in Chicago, IL

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

Discover high-paying opportunities in Chicago without a college degree. Several roles offer strong salaries and growth potential. Dry cleaners, canvassers, and restaurant managers lead the list with average annual salaries over $60,000. These positions provide valuable experience and financial rewards. Terminal operators, concrete laborers, and kitchen managers also offer attractive pay packages. These jobs often require training or certification, making them accessible without a degree. Explore these roles to advance your career in a bustling city.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Chicago, IL without a degree, highlighting Dry Cleaner with the highest at $96,517 and Lawn Care Technician with the lowest at $45,865.
  1. 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.
    Find Dry Cleaner jobs in Chicago, IL


  2. 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.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Chicago, IL


  3. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  4. 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.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Chicago, IL


  5. 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.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Chicago, IL


  6. 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.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL


  7. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Chicago, IL


  8. 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.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. 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.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Chicago, IL


  10. 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.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Chicago, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Chicago, IL?

Empire National, Palo Alto Networks, and SAP are among the top-paying companies in Chicago. Empire National leads the way with an average salary of $287,748, followed closely by Palo Alto Networks at $261,883. SAP completes the top three with $238,615. These companies offer competitive pay packages, making them attractive options for job seekers. For those seeking high-paying opportunities, Leader Freight Systems, Selby Jennings, and Okta also provide strong compensation. Leader Freight Systems pays an average of $226,297, Selby Jennings offers $214,564, and Okta pays $191,167. Other notable companies in Chicago include ServiceNow, EY, Amazon Web Services, and Google, all of which provide salaries above $175,000 on average. These companies reflect the robust job market and high earning potential in Chicago.
Graph displaying company salaries in Chicago, IL, highlighting Empire National with the highest at $287,748 and Google with the lowest at $177,325.
  1. 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.


  2. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $261,883
    Palo Alto Networks is a leader in cybersecurity. They provide solutions to protect organizations from online threats.


  3. SAP
    Average Salary: $238,615
    SAP is a global leader in enterprise software. They offer solutions that help businesses run smoothly and efficiently.


  4. Leader Freight Systems
    Average Salary: $226,297
    Leader Freight Systems provides logistics and freight services. They are known for their reliable transportation solutions.


  5. Selby Jennings
    Average Salary: $214,564
    Selby Jennings is a top recruiting firm. They specialize in placing professionals in various industries.


  6. Okta
    Average Salary: $191,167
    Okta provides identity and access management solutions. They help organizations protect their data and streamline user access.


  7. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $186,445
    ServiceNow offers cloud-based software to manage digital workflows. They help companies automate processes and improve efficiency.


  8. EY
    Average Salary: $182,917
    EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, and consulting services. They help businesses grow and succeed.


  9. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $179,184
    Amazon Web Services provides cloud computing solutions. They offer a wide range of tools to support businesses.


  10. 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's cost of living index stands higher than the nationwide average in many key areas. Specifically, housing costs in Chicago are 31% above the national average. Groceries, transportation, and healthcare also show increases, with respective costs at 8%, 8%, and 4% higher than the average. The miscellaneous category follows closely behind with a 5% rise. These figures highlight Chicago's elevated expenses for potential job seekers. Understanding these percentages helps individuals plan better when considering a move to Chicago.
Cost of living comparison graph for Chicago, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 31% higher, groceries 8% higher, utilities 3% lower, transportation 8% higher, healthcare 4% higher, miscellaneous 5% higher.

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.

There are 16,386 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
16,386 Job Openings