Overview Salaries

Salaries in Des Plaines, IL

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Des Plaines, IL?

The average salary in Des Plaines, IL is $61,125 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Des Plaines, IL, showing an average salary of $61,125 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Des Plaines, IL, showing an average salary of $5,094 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Des Plaines, IL, showing an average salary of $1,175 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Des Plaines, IL, showing an average salary of $29 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Des Plaines, IL, offers a range of salary opportunities across different job sectors. Many workers enjoy a competitive salary, with the average yearly salary sitting at around $61,125. This makes it a favorable area for those seeking stable income.


The salary distribution varies by job type. Here are some of the salary ranges found in Des Plaines:

  • Customer Service: $30,150
  • Sales: $41,045
  • Administrative Support: $51,941
  • Project Management: $62,836
  • IT: $73,732
  • Engineering: $84,627
  • Finance: $95,523
  • Marketing: $106,418
  • Healthcare: $117,314
  • Legal: $128,209
  • Education: $139,105
  • Executive: $150,000
These figures provide a good overview of what job seekers can expect in different fields within the city.

View jobs in Des Plaines, IL
View all jobs in Des Plaines, IL

What are the best paying jobs in Des Plaines, IL?

The top-paying jobs in Des Plaines, IL, offer a mix of healthcare, management, and skilled trades. The highest-paying roles include Nurse Practitioners, who earn an average of $118,912 per year. Following closely, Speech Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists make around $97,715 and $91,574 annually, respectively. These positions require specialized skills and education but provide a rewarding career with excellent compensation. Retail Sales Associates and Social Workers also secure respectable salaries, earning about $85,765 and $83,234 per year. These roles demand strong interpersonal skills and can lead to career growth. Other high-paying jobs include Registered Nurses, Account Managers, CDL Drivers, Operations Managers, and Licensed Practical Nurses. All these positions provide good earning potential and opportunities for advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Plaines, IL, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $118,912 and Licensed Practical Nurse with the lowest at $66,993.

  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $118,912
    This role involves providing primary and specialty care. Nurses work in clinics and hospitals, collaborating with physicians. The area offers good career growth opportunities in healthcare.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  2. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $97,715
    These professionals work with patients who have communication and swallowing disorders. They often work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. Des Plaines offers diverse opportunities in education and healthcare sectors.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  3. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $91,574
    Occupational therapists help patients develop, recover, and improve daily living skills. They work in rehabilitation centers, schools, and hospitals. The city's healthcare facilities provide excellent settings for professional growth.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  4. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $87,344
    RNs provide and manage patient care. They work in various settings like hospitals and clinics. Des Plaines has many healthcare institutions that value skilled nurses and offer career advancement.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  5. Retail Sales Associate
    Average Salary: $85,765
    Sales associates help customers find products and complete transactions. They work in stores that sell clothing, electronics, or groceries. Des Plaines has a vibrant retail scene with many shopping opportunities.
    Find Retail Sales Associate jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  6. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $83,234
    Social workers assist individuals and families in need. They work in community centers, schools, and hospitals. The city offers various social services where they can make a significant impact.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  7. Account Manager
    Average Salary: $77,454
    Account managers build and maintain relationships with clients. They work in marketing firms and advertising agencies. The local business environment offers a range of opportunities for career development.
    Find Account Manager jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  8. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $73,218
    CDL drivers transport goods and materials. They often work for logistics companies or freight services. The city’s strategic location provides many job opportunities in transportation and logistics.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  9. Operations Manager
    Average Salary: $68,017
    Operations managers oversee day-to-day business activities. They work in various industries, including retail and manufacturing. Des Plaines has a thriving business community with many roles available.
    Find Operations Manager jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  10. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $66,993
    LPNs provide basic patient care under the supervision of doctors and RNs. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Des Plaines offers many healthcare facilities where LPNs are needed.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Des Plaines, IL

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

Des Plaines, Illinois, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. These roles provide competitive salaries and valuable experience. For example, line cooks earn an average of $41,089 annually. Food service aides and baristas also earn around $36,600 and $35,172, respectively. Positions like loaders and groundskeepers offer salaries close to $35,000. Housekeeping staff, dishwashers, and servers earn between $33,000 and $34,000 per year. These jobs provide a solid income while requiring practical skills over formal education.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Des Plaines, IL without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $41,089 and Server with the lowest at $32,283.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $41,089
    In this role, you prepare meals for customers. You work in a fast-paced kitchen. This job is perfect for those who enjoy cooking and teamwork. Local restaurants and cafes offer many opportunities.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  2. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $36,600
    You set up food displays and assist with food prep. This job is ideal for those who love helping others. Schools and community centers often need food service aides. This position involves a lot of interaction with people.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  3. Barista
    Average Salary: $35,172
    You create and serve coffee and other drinks. This job requires a friendly and fast-paced environment. Coffee shops and cafes in the area offer a lot of opportunities. You interact with customers daily.
    Find Barista jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  4. Loader
    Average Salary: $35,068
    You load and unload goods from delivery trucks. This job involves a lot of physical activity. Many companies need loaders to handle their deliveries. This is a good role for those who enjoy working outside.
    Find Loader jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,681
    You maintain the outdoor areas of buildings and parks. This job requires working outdoors. Businesses and municipalities need groundskeepers to keep their properties neat. It’s a great job for those who enjoy gardening.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $34,597
    You clean rooms and common areas in hotels or residential buildings. This role involves a lot of cleaning and organization. Hotels and apartment complexes often need housekeepers. It’s a steady job with good pay.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  7. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $32,948
    You clean dishes and utensils in a restaurant. This job requires attention to detail. Restaurants and cafes offer many opportunities. You work in a busy kitchen environment.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $32,283
    You take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. This job involves excellent customer service. Restaurants and cafes often need servers. You interact with customers and earn tips.
    Find Server jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Which companies offer the top salaries in Des Plaines, IL?

Job seekers looking for the best-paying companies in Des Plaines, IL, will find strong opportunities in several sectors. Abbott leads the pack with an average salary of $122,956, followed closely by Honeywell at $108,573. These companies offer competitive compensation packages, making them attractive choices for professionals seeking high earnings. Other notable companies in Des Plaines include ProCare Therapy, Sunbelt Staffing, and Bristol Hospice, all of which provide salaries above $90,000. Companies like Soliant, GTI Energy, and the State of Illinois offer salaries ranging from $86,000 to $84,400. Advocate Aurora Health and Sunrun also provide solid compensation packages, though they fall slightly lower on the salary scale. These companies present varied career paths with good earning potential for job seekers in the area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Des Plaines, IL, highlighting Abbott with the highest at $122,956 and Sunrun with the lowest at $82,375.

  1. Abbott
    Average Salary: $122,956
    Abbott is a global healthcare leader known for its medical devices, diagnostics, nutrition, and branded generic medicines. They offer a broad range of career opportunities for skilled professionals.


  2. Honeywell
    Average Salary: $108,573
    Honeywell is a multinational conglomerate that specializes in aerospace, building technologies, performance materials, and safety products. They provide a variety of opportunities for engineers and technical professionals.


  3. ProCare Therapy
    Average Salary: $93,787
    ProCare Therapy is a leading provider of rehabilitation services. They focus on physical, occupational, and speech therapies. They offer rewarding roles for healthcare professionals.


  4. Sunbelt Staffing
    Average Salary: $91,357
    Sunbelt Staffing is a staffing agency that specializes in placing healthcare professionals across the nation. They focus on providing temporary and permanent placement services.


  5. Bristol Hospice
    Average Salary: $91,348
    Bristol Hospice provides compassionate care to terminally ill patients. They offer fulfilling positions for nurses, social workers, and support staff.


  6. Soliant
    Average Salary: $90,041
    Soliant is a staffing company specializing in education and healthcare positions. They place teachers and therapists in schools and healthcare facilities.


  7. GTI Energy
    Average Salary: $86,043
    GTI Energy is a leading provider of energy solutions for the aviation industry. They offer opportunities for professionals in engineering and aviation services.


  8. State of Illinois
    Average Salary: $84,400
    The State of Illinois offers a wide range of careers in public service. Positions are available in various sectors, including education, health, and public safety.


  9. Advocate Aurora Health
    Average Salary: $82,819
    Advocate Aurora Health is one of the largest healthcare systems in Illinois. They provide numerous opportunities in healthcare, from nursing to administrative roles.


  10. Sunrun
    Average Salary: $82,375
    Sunrun is a leading residential solar company. They offer positions in sales, installation, and customer service for those interested in renewable energy.

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

The cost of living in Des Plaines, IL, shows a slightly higher index compared to the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs stand at 110, meaning they are 10% higher than the national average. Groceries are also slightly elevated at 105, which reflects a 5% increase. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses all hover close to the national average. Utilities are at 98, just 2% below average. Transportation costs are 95, or 5% lower. Healthcare stands at 102, showing a modest 2% increase, while miscellaneous costs are at 107, which is 7% higher. These figures highlight that while certain areas, like housing, are above the national average, other essential expenses remain relatively close to or slightly below it.
Cost of living comparison graph for Des Plaines, IL vs. Nationwide: housing 10% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 2% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 7% higher.

The cost of living index for Des Plaines, IL, compared to the nationwide average, shows several interesting differences. Housing costs in Des Plaines stand at 110, which is 10% higher than the national average. This means that housing expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, are generally 10% more expensive here. Groceries in Des Plaines have an index of 105, indicating that they are 5% higher than the average cost across the country.


Utilities in Des Plaines are slightly below the nationwide average, with an index of 98. This represents a 2% decrease in what residents might spend on electricity, gas, water, and other utilities. Transportation costs follow closely with the national average, showing an index of 95, which is a 5% reduction. Healthcare costs in Des Plaines are 2% higher, indexed at 102. Miscellaneous expenses, which can include things like clothing and entertainment, also show a slight increase, with an index of 107, making them 7% more expensive than the national average.

There are 653 job openings in Des Plaines, IL, today!

View Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Des Plaines, IL

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

Win at hiring.

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