What is the average salary in DeKalb, IL?
DeKalb, IL, offers a range of salary opportunities across different industries. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $57,974. This figure can help job seekers gauge what to expect in various sectors. Below are the common industries and their corresponding salary brackets:
The salary landscape in DeKalb, IL, spans from entry-level positions to senior roles. Here are some key sectors with their respective average salaries:
- Customer service: $30,000
- Sales: $40,909
- Administrative roles: $51,818
- Technical roles: $62,727
- Healthcare: $73,636
- Education: $84,545
- Management: $95,455
- Finance: $106,364
- IT: $117,273
- Engineering: $128,182
- Legal: $139,091
- Top executive roles: $150,000
This range allows job seekers to explore various opportunities based on their skills and career goals.
What are the best paying jobs in DeKalb, IL?

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CDL Driver
Average Salary: $101,105
Drive heavy vehicles transporting goods. Work for companies like Yellow Corp or J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Shifts may include local or long-haul routes.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $99,886
Help people regain skills needed for work or daily tasks. Work with patients at facilities such as Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. You’ll use tailored exercises and equipment.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $97,506
Work with individuals who have speech or language disorders. Use techniques to improve communication skills. You’ll often find positions at schools or hospitals like Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $88,479
Provide care and support to patients. Work in various settings like hospitals or clinics. Major employers include Northwestern Medicine or Edward-Elmhurst Health. You’ll need to monitor patient health and administer treatments.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $82,117
Sell products or services to businesses. You’ll represent companies like IBM or Boeing. Travel to meet clients and negotiate deals. This role involves building relationships and meeting sales targets.
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Licensed Practical Nurse
Average Salary: $70,318
Provide basic medical care to patients. You’ll work under the supervision of doctors and registered nurses. Employment options include nursing homes or hospitals such as Central DuPage Hospital. Tasks include taking vital signs and administering medications.
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General Manager
Average Salary: $62,506
Oversee daily operations of a business. This role is available in retail or food service at places like Target or McDonald's. You’ll manage staff, handle budgets, and ensure customer satisfaction.
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Maintenance Technician
Average Salary: $52,305
Repair and maintain equipment in facilities. Work at manufacturing plants or schools. Employers include Caterpillar Inc. or the school district. You’ll need to troubleshoot issues and perform regular maintenance checks.
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Technician
Average Salary: $45,233
Perform technical tasks in various fields. You might work in IT for companies like Accenture. Your job involves fixing software issues, updating systems, and providing technical support.
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Material Handler
Average Salary: $42,590
Move and store materials in a warehouse. Work for companies like Amazon or UPS Supply Chain Solutions. You’ll use equipment to lift, move, and organize items. This role requires physical strength and attention to detail.
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What are the best paying jobs in DeKalb, IL without a degree?

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Line Cook
Average Salary: $34,400
Create delicious meals in a fast-paced kitchen. Work at local eateries. Gain experience with cooking techniques and kitchen safety.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $34,375
Assist with food prep and cooking. Clean and maintain the kitchen. Learn from experienced chefs. Great for those interested in food service.
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Barista
Average Salary: $33,630
Prepare coffee and other beverages. Serve customers quickly. Work in cafes and coffee shops. Develop customer service skills.
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Powder Coater
Average Salary: $33,273
Apply powder coatings to metal parts. Ensure high-quality finishes. Work in manufacturing facilities. Learn about surface preparation and painting techniques.
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Server
Average Salary: $32,575
Take orders and serve food. Interact with customers to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in restaurants. Develop communication and multitasking skills.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in DeKalb, IL?

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Renewal Rehab
Average Salary: $86,822
Renewal Rehab offers physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They work with people to help them get back to their daily activities.
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Northwestern Medicine
Average Salary: $79,225
Northwestern Medicine is a group of hospitals and doctors that provide high-quality healthcare. They offer many different services.
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Target
Average Salary: $62,527
Target is a big store that sells clothes, food, and other household items. They have many stores across the country.
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Forge Resources Group
Average Salary: $59,407
Forge Resources Group works in construction and engineering. They build and design buildings and infrastructure.
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Tutera Senior Living & Health Care
Average Salary: $58,405
Tutera Senior Living & Health Care provides housing and care for older adults. They have several locations where they offer different levels of care.
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Northern Illinois University
Average Salary: $57,581
Northern Illinois University is a college in DeKalb. It offers many programs for students to study and earn degrees.
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DeKalb School District 428
Average Salary: $51,987
DeKalb School District 428 manages schools in the area. They work to provide education for students from kindergarten to high school.
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Express Employment Professionals
Average Salary: $45,798
Express Employment Professionals is a staffing agency. They help people find jobs in different industries.
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Ryder System
Average Salary: $44,018
Ryder System provides logistics and transportation services. They help companies move goods across the country.
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Jersey Mike's
Average Salary: $38,124
Jersey Mike's is a sandwich shop. They make sandwiches, subs, and other delicious food items.
How does the cost of living in DeKalb, IL compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in DeKalb, IL, presents a picture that shows where residents may save or spend more compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in DeKalb stands at 85, which is 15% lower than the average cost of housing across the nation. This means that housing expenses are more affordable in DeKalb, offering a potential benefit for those looking to relocate or buy property in the area. Additionally, groceries in DeKalb have an index of 95, which is 5% below the national average of 100. This slight reduction in grocery costs might be another point of savings for individuals and families.
Utilities in DeKalb have an index of 97, just 3% above the national average. This indicates that utility costs are nearly on par with the rest of the country, suggesting no significant savings or increased expense in this category. Transportation costs in DeKalb are also close to the national average, with an index of 92, meaning they are 8% lower. This could be a saving grace for those who rely on personal vehicles. Healthcare costs in DeKalb are equal to the national average, with an index of 100, so residents can expect similar healthcare expenses as elsewhere in the country. Lastly, miscellaneous costs in DeKalb have an index of 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. This reduction might be beneficial for covering other everyday expenses.



