Overview Salaries

Salaries in DeKalb, IL

Updated on Aug 21, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in DeKalb, IL?

The average salary in DeKalb, IL is $57,486 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for DeKalb, IL, showing an average salary of $57,486 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for DeKalb, IL, showing an average salary of $4,790 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for DeKalb, IL, showing an average salary of $1,106 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for DeKalb, IL, showing an average salary of $28 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

DeKalb, IL, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $57,486, providing a solid foundation for professionals. Many jobs in the area offer salaries ranging from $30,000 to $144,280 per year, allowing for a range of income levels and career stages.


A closer look at the salary distribution reveals that approximately 31.04% of jobs pay around $30,000, while 22.40% of positions offer salaries close to $40,389. As one moves up the salary scale, 8.65% of roles pay about $50,778 and 7.51% provide wages near $61,167. The highest salaries are in the 1.02% category, offering up to $133,891 annually. This diverse salary range makes DeKalb a promising place for job seekers looking for a good income.

View jobs in DeKalb, IL
View all jobs in DeKalb, IL

What are the best paying jobs in DeKalb, IL?

DeKalb, IL offers several high-paying job opportunities for job seekers. The best-paying roles include CDL Drivers, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists. These jobs provide competitive salaries, making DeKalb an attractive place for professionals seeking financial rewards. Experienced CDL Drivers can earn over $100,000, while therapists enjoy salaries upwards of $100,000 annually. Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses also earn respectable salaries in DeKalb. Nurses can make nearly $90,000, while practical nurses earn around $71,000. These healthcare roles are in demand and offer both financial stability and meaningful work. Other high-paying positions include General Managers and Maintenance Technicians, both of which provide stable incomes. This variety of high-paying jobs makes DeKalb a great location for those seeking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in DeKalb, IL, highlighting CDL Driver with the highest at $101,415 and Forklift Operator with the lowest at $41,217.

  1. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $101,415
    Work with a local company to transport goods across the region. Requires a commercial driver’s license. Offers flexible hours and good benefits.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in DeKalb, IL


  2. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $100,044
    Help people recover from injuries or illnesses. Work in healthcare settings to develop treatment plans. Make a significant impact on patients' lives.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in DeKalb, IL


  3. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $97,829
    Assist individuals with speech and language disorders. Provide therapy in schools or healthcare facilities. Use creative techniques to help clients improve.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in DeKalb, IL


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $88,229
    Provide direct patient care in hospitals and clinics. Work alongside doctors and specialists. Enjoy stable employment and strong demand.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in DeKalb, IL


  5. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $70,908
    Assist with patient care in healthcare settings. Monitor vital signs and administer treatments. Work closely with doctors and registered nurses.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in DeKalb, IL


  6. General Manager
    Average Salary: $62,669
    Oversee daily operations at a business. Manage staff and ensure smooth operations. Use strong leadership and decision-making skills.
    Find General Manager jobs in DeKalb, IL


  7. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $53,472
    Perform repairs and maintenance on equipment. Work in various industries, including manufacturing and retail. Ensure machinery runs smoothly.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in DeKalb, IL


  8. Technician
    Average Salary: $45,165
    Support the installation and maintenance of equipment. Work in different sectors, such as IT or electronics. Solve technical problems quickly.
    Find Technician jobs in DeKalb, IL


  9. Material Handler
    Average Salary: $42,624
    Load, unload, and move materials within a facility. Work in warehouses or distribution centers. Ensure materials are handled safely and efficiently.
    Find Material Handler jobs in DeKalb, IL


  10. Forklift Operator
    Average Salary: $41,217
    Operate forklifts to move heavy items. Work in warehouses or manufacturing plants. Must follow safety protocols to prevent accidents.
    Find Forklift Operator jobs in DeKalb, IL

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

Job seekers in DeKalb, IL, can find several high-paying roles without a degree. Powder coaters earn an average of $36,091 annually, offering a lucrative option in the automotive and furniture industries. Kitchen team members and line cooks also enjoy competitive wages, with average earnings of $34,854 and $34,375 respectively. These positions provide a strong income while working in vibrant and dynamic environments. In addition to the lucrative opportunities in the kitchen, baristas and servers make an average of $33,630 and $32,527 per year. These roles offer the chance to develop strong customer service skills and work in bustling settings. These jobs stand out as excellent choices for those seeking stable employment and good pay without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in DeKalb, IL without a degree, highlighting Powder Coater with the highest at $36,091 and Server with the lowest at $32,527.

  1. Powder Coater
    Average Salary: $36,091
    This position requires coating surfaces with powders to protect and improve aesthetics. It involves setting up equipment and applying powders. Companies like ABC Manufacturing and XYZ Industries offer these jobs.
    Find Powder Coater jobs in DeKalb, IL


  2. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $34,854
    Line cooks prepare meals in fast-paced environments. They work on production lines to cook various dishes quickly and efficiently. Local restaurants such as The Bistro and City Diner hire for this role.
    Find Line Cook jobs in DeKalb, IL


  3. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $34,375
    Kitchen team members help in various tasks. They ensure a smooth operation in the kitchen by assisting cooks, cleaning, and preparing ingredients. Local cafes and diners hire for these positions.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in DeKalb, IL


  4. Barista
    Average Salary: $33,630
    This role involves preparing coffee drinks and serving customers. They work in coffee shops and cafes, focusing on delivering quality beverages. Coffee shops like Brewed Awakenings and Java Junction hire for this position.
    Find Barista jobs in DeKalb, IL


  5. Server
    Average Salary: $32,527
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks. They work in busy environments, ensuring customers have a pleasant dining experience. Local restaurants and diners often hire for this role.
    Find Server jobs in DeKalb, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in DeKalb, IL?

Job seekers in DeKalb, IL, can find attractive salaries with several leading companies. Renewal Rehab stands out with an average salary of $86,967, making it a top employer. Northwestern Medicine also offers a competitive average salary of $78,981. Another good option is Target, which pays an average of $63,942. This company provides a stable work environment with solid compensation. Employers such as Forge Resources Group and Tutera Senior Living & Health Care also offer respectable salaries, averaging $59,512 and $58,405, respectively. These companies present strong opportunities for those seeking rewarding and financially beneficial careers in DeKalb.
Graph displaying company salaries in DeKalb, IL, highlighting Renewal Rehab with the highest at $86,967 and Jersey Mike's with the lowest at $37,941.

  1. Renewal Rehab
    Average Salary: $86,967
    Renewal Rehab is a leading healthcare company providing rehabilitation services. They offer competitive salaries and a supportive work environment.


  2. Northwestern Medicine
    Average Salary: $78,981
    Northwestern Medicine is a well-known healthcare provider. They offer a range of medical services and are known for their strong employee benefits and high salaries.


  3. Target
    Average Salary: $63,942
    Target is a large retail corporation with numerous locations. They offer various positions with benefits and competitive pay.


  4. Forge Resources Group
    Average Salary: $59,512
    Forge Resources Group is a company focused on providing resources for various industries. They offer good salaries and career growth opportunities.


  5. Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
    Average Salary: $58,405
    Tutera Senior Living & Health Care provides senior living and healthcare services. They offer rewarding work with a supportive community.


  6. Northern Illinois University
    Average Salary: $58,110
    Northern Illinois University is a respected educational institution. They offer teaching and administrative positions with good benefits.


  7. DeKalb School District 428
    Average Salary: $52,173
    DeKalb School District 428 provides educational services. They offer competitive pay for educators and staff.


  8. Express Employment Professionals
    Average Salary: $45,798
    Express Employment Professionals is a staffing agency that places workers in various jobs. They offer good opportunities with decent compensation.


  9. Ryder System
    Average Salary: $44,189
    Ryder System is a logistics company providing transportation services. They offer positions with fair salaries and benefits.


  10. Jersey Mike's
    Average Salary: $37,941
    Jersey Mike's is a well-known sandwich shop. They offer positions with competitive pay and a fun work environment.

How does the cost of living in DeKalb, IL compare to the national average?

The cost of living index for DeKalb, IL, shows a generally lower housing cost at 85 compared to the nationwide average of 100. This indicates DeKalb's housing is 15% cheaper than the national average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are slightly above the national average, each hovering around 90 to 98. This suggests that while housing remains affordable, other living expenses in DeKalb are comparable to or slightly higher than the nationwide norm.
Cost of living comparison graph for DeKalb, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

In DeKalb, IL, the cost of living index presents a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Specifically, housing costs in DeKalb are 85 on this index, which means it is 15% lower than the average cost across the country. This lower housing index can be an attractive feature for individuals looking to minimize their expenses without sacrificing the quality of living.


Moreover, various other costs in DeKalb align closely with the national average. For instance, groceries are priced at 95 on the cost of living index, indicating just 5% less than the nationwide standard. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses all hover around 90 to 98 on the index. This means that residents in DeKalb can expect to pay between 2% and 10% less in these categories compared to the average American. Overall, DeKalb offers a cost of living that is often slightly below the national average, making it a potentially appealing location for those seeking an affordable lifestyle.

There are 397 job openings in DeKalb, IL, today!

View Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Take a deeper dive into the job market in DeKalb, IL

Discover what it's like to work in DeKalb, IL. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
DeKalb, IL
397 Job Openings

Win at hiring.

Visit the help center for any questions.
Contact Support
ReadySetHire icon
©2025 • ReadySetHire