What is the average salary in DeKalb, IL?
Job seekers in DeKalb, IL, find a range of salary opportunities. The average yearly salary in the area is about $58,783. This average covers various positions, from entry-level to senior roles. Knowing this helps individuals set realistic expectations for their job search.
Here are some common job sectors and their average salaries in DeKalb, IL:
- Retail Sales: $30,000
- Office Clerks: $42,636
- Registered Nurses: $55,273
- Teachers: $67,909
- Police Officers: $80,545
- Registered Dietitians: $93,182
- Computer Programmers: $105,818
- Software Developers: $118,455
- Physicians: $131,091
- Dentists: $143,727
- Surgeons: $156,364
- Chief Executives: $169,000
What are the best paying jobs in DeKalb, IL?

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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $100,345
Helps individuals regain skills needed for daily tasks. Works in clinics and hospitals, including Northwestern Medicine. Provides personalized treatment plans.
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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $97,732
Operates large vehicles to transport goods. Often employed by companies like XPO Logistics. Requires a commercial driver's license and safe driving practices.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $96,042
Assesses and treats communication and swallowing disorders. Works in hospitals and schools, including local facilities. Provides therapy to improve quality of life.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $89,595
Provides patient care and education. Works in various settings like hospitals, clinics, and home health care. Requires strong communication and care skills.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $84,203
Sells products and services directly to customers. Often works for companies like John Deere. Requires networking and sales skills to meet targets.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $71,213
Assists with patient care under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. Works in hospitals and care facilities. Requires basic nursing skills and compassion.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $70,648
Oversees daily operations of businesses. Manages staff and ensures smooth business operations. Works in retail, restaurants, and hotels in the area.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $50,686
Performs routine maintenance and repairs on equipment. Works in manufacturing and service industries. Requires technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
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Technician
Average Salary: $45,930
Maintains and repairs machinery and equipment. Works in manufacturing, utilities, and service companies. Requires technical knowledge and hands-on skills.
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Material Handler
Average Salary: $42,772
Moves and organizes materials within facilities. Works in warehouses and distribution centers. Requires attention to detail and physical stamina.
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What are the best paying jobs in DeKalb, IL without a degree?

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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $35,574
Clean dishes and kitchen utensils. Work in a busy kitchen, ensuring everything is spotless. Often employed in local restaurants like Friendly's and local cafes.
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Server
Average Salary: $33,906
Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders, inform about specials, and ensure guests have a good dining experience. Positions available at popular eateries like Red Robin and local diners.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $33,702
Help with food prep and cooking. Ensure ingredients are ready for chefs. Support the kitchen's smooth operation in places such as Subway and local eateries.
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Barista
Average Salary: $33,630
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Interact with customers to understand their preferences. Work at well-known chains like Starbucks and local coffee shops.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $32,315
Cook food quickly and efficiently. Follow recipes and maintain high-quality standards. Often employed by local restaurants, including family-owned spots and chain locations.
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Powder Coater
Average Salary: $30,364
Apply powder coating to metal items for durability. Use specialized equipment for a professional finish. Often work in manufacturing settings with companies specializing in metal products.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in DeKalb, IL?

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Northwestern Medicine
Average Salary: $80,362
Northwestern Medicine is a large healthcare provider known for offering competitive salaries and great benefits.
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Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Average Salary: $78,349
Favorite Healthcare Staffing is a staffing agency that provides high pay to healthcare professionals.
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Target
Average Salary: $62,995
Target is a nationwide retail company known for offering good wages and career growth opportunities.
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DeKalb County Rehab & Nursing Center
Average Salary: $58,958
This healthcare facility provides quality care with a focus on employee satisfaction and competitive salaries.
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Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
Average Salary: $58,405
Tutera Senior Living & Health Care offers senior living services and pays its employees well.
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Forge Resources Group
Average Salary: $58,362
Forge Resources Group provides employment services and offers a good salary for its staff.
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Northern Illinois University
Average Salary: $53,183
Northern Illinois University is a higher education institution that offers competitive salaries to its employees.
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DeKalb School District 428
Average Salary: $51,895
DeKalb School District 428 is a local school district providing educational services with decent salaries.
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Express Employment Professionals
Average Salary: $45,794
Express Employment Professionals is a staffing agency that offers a good range of job opportunities with fair pay.
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Ryder System
Average Salary: $43,384
Ryder System is a logistics company that provides transportation and logistics services with a competitive salary.
How does the cost of living in DeKalb, IL compare to the national average?

DeKalb, IL, shows a relatively favorable cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in DeKalb stands at 90, which means housing costs are 10% lower than the national average. This affordability can be a significant advantage for job seekers looking to secure a comfortable living situation without a high financial burden. In addition, the grocery index is slightly lower at 95, suggesting groceries cost only 5% more than the average.
The transportation index in DeKalb is 93, indicating that transportation costs are about 7% below the national average. This could mean lower expenses for commuting and owning a vehicle. The healthcare index, at 98, shows that healthcare expenses are only 2% higher than the average, which might be appealing for those prioritizing healthcare costs. Miscellaneous costs, which cover a range of everyday expenses, are at 97, showing they are 3% less than the average. This comprehensive look at the cost of living in DeKalb suggests it offers an attractive balance of affordability and quality of life for potential residents.



